
Class ELiJI±__ 

Book_J2_^M 



!i 



.^1^ ^n^i^jMyt^7'c^<-c^^--<2^ 



^ /^ /? 



?r-^^. 



HISTORICAL SKETCH 



OF THE 




\m AID 




OAJSTTOX CENTER, CONX., 

FoBMEULY West Simsbury. 
Organized 1750. 



COMPILED BY 

Rev. FREDEmCK ALVOPM3 

AND 

Miss IDA R. ORIDLEY. 



HARTFORD, CONN. 
Pkess of Ths Case, Lockwood «fe Brainard Company. 

1886. 



HISTORICIL SKETCH 



Congregational Church and Parish 



i(^/ 
r^^ 



CANTON CENTER, CONN., 

Formerly West Simsbury. 

Organized 1T50. 



COMPILED BY 



Rev. Krkderick AIvVORD 



Nliss IDA R. GRIDIvEY. 



HARTFORD. CONN.: 

Press of The Case, Lockwocd & Bkainaud Co. 

1886. 






Resolved, That we hereby tender to Newton Case, Esq., of Hartford, our 
sincere thanks for his generous offer to assume the expense of publisliing 
the history of our church. 

By Vote of the Church. 



Resolved, That we hereby express our heartfelt thanks to Rev. Frederick 
Alvord and Miss Ida R. Gridley, for their labors in preparing for publica- 
tion a history of the Congregational Church of Canton Center. 

By Vote of the Chukch. 



s3 



INDEX. 



Rev. Mr. Burt's Historical Sermon, - 
Statement of Pastorates, ... 
Biographical Sketch of Rev. Evander Morrison, 
Rev. Gideon Mills, - 
, Rev. Seth Sage, 

Rev. Jeremiah Hallock, 
Rev. Jairus Burt, 
Rev. Warren C. Fiske, 
Rev. Charles N. Lyman, 
Rev. David B. Hubbard, 
Sunday-school, - . . - 

Deacons, ..... 

Ministers, 

Lawyers, . . . ^ - 

Physicians, . - - - - 

Business men, - - - - - 

Young ladies, - - - - * 

Soldiers, ..... 

Closing statement, .... 
Poem, ..•--- 



5 

23 
28 
29 
31 
32 
40 
52 
53 
57 
60 
61 
64 
72 
76 
79 
90 
90 
92 
94 



PREFATORY NOTE. 



The historical sermon of Eev. Jairus Burt, preached in 
1851, gives the only connected history of the Congregational 
Church in Canton Centei-, up to that time. As thirtj-five 
years have since elapsed, it seemed desirable for convenience 
of reference to bring the history down to the present time ; 
this consideration, added to the fact that Mr. Burt's valuable 
sermon existing only in manuscript, was in imminent danger 
of perishing, has been the motive in the preparation of this 
pamphlet. 

The compilers have studied the utmost brevity, giving only 
leading facts, in order the more easily to bring it within the 
reach of all the living, both resident in the town, and widely 
scattered throughout the country, who are interested in the 
history of this ancient church. 



STEWARDSHIP. 

A SERMON PREACHED BY 

Rev. JAIRUS BURT, 

In Canton Center, Conn., December 21, 1851 ; the Twenty- 
Fifth Anniversary of His Settlement. 



Text, Luke xii, 43: " Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom 
his Lord will mike ruler over his household, to give them their portion of 
meat in due season ? " 

A STEWARD is one to whom is committed the manage- 
ment of the aft'airs of another. One who is employed 
to conduct the domestic affairs of a family, especially those 
which relate to the provisions of a house, the meat and drink, 
is called the steward of the home. So in the text the steward 
is represented as the ruler of the house, to give them their 
meat in due season. And he is the faithful and wise steward, 
who manages in his office to have everything serviceable, and 
adapted to meet the recurring wants of the household. In 
Scripture, and in theological science, the ministers of Christ, 
whose office it is to dispense the provisions of the gospel to 
dying men, to preach its doctrines, to inculcate its duties, to 
administer its ordinances is the steward of God in things 
spiritual to His great household of mankind. So we find 
Paul saying to the Corinthians, " Let a man so account of us, 
as of the ministers of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of 
God." And averring, "Moreover it is required in stewards 
that a man be found faithful." It results from the nature of 
stewardship^ that he who is put into it is to regard the will and 
instruction of his Lord as his law in the dis])ensation com- 



uiitted to him ; and of course, that he can never wisely or 
safely substitute for these the wishes or the will of those 
whom he is employed to serve. And this principle goes 
with all the force of its application to the office and work of 
the Christian ministry. And the test of wisdom and fidelity 
in this sacred stewardship lies in the question of conformity 
or n on -conformity to the revealed will and instructions of 
God. So it is a very small thing to be judged of man's judg- 
ment, in the comparison, when He that judgeth us in the 
Lord. So Paul did say, in his address to the Thessalonians, 
" Our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor 
in guile ; but as we were allowed of God to be put in trust 
with the gospel, eveik so we speak ; not as pleasing men, but 
God, which trietli our heart." So he exhorts Timoth}', 
" Study to show thyself a^^proved unto God, a workman that 
needeth not. to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of 
truth." Such is the ofiice of the Christian ministry, the 
stewardship of God in the dispensation of the gospel. But 
the olfice of the Christian minister, as that of a steward, has 
of necessity a relation of interest and of responsibility to 
those who are respected in the service of the office. If the 
steward is to furnish for the household of his Lord, meat in 
due season, it is certainly to be understood that the household, 
in its members, is to be present and read}' in due season, also, 
to partake of the provisions. Of what use to have the pro- 
vision in readiness, if there be not a readiness to partake of 
it ? So the counterpart of the minister of Christ, ready with 
his message to his fellowmen, is tiie presence of the people to 
hear and receive his message. The steward is to prepare the 
meat, the peo])le are to eat it, and relish it, and grow thereby, 
provided it be taken from the storehouse of the Great Master, 
and duly served according to His will. The greatness of the 
sacred stewardship is seen that it is under Him who is the 
Maker and Lord of all, that it has respect to the wants of a 
famishing and perishing world, that it brings life and immor- 
tality to light, and that, in its results, an innumerable com- 
pany that no man can number, redeemed from among men, 



and clothed in wliite, shall be kings and priests to God for- 
ever and ever. 

Though in the lapsing of time, by a necessary law, one 
class of stewards of the mysteries of God passes away after 
another, the stewardsliip remains to be filled by others ; and 
is to be permanent until the closing up of the dispensation of 
mercy. The fathers die and the prophets do not live forever. 
So it has been in all the periods since the first intimation of a 
coming Redeemer in the hints and symbolical representations 
of the patriarchal days ; and so it will be till the end cometh 
when Christ shall deliver up the kingdom to God, even the 
Father, and the Son also Himself be subject to Him that 
putteth all things under Him, that God may be all in all. 
This is true in its general application, and it is true in applica- 
tion to particular places and parishes where the gospel is dis- 
pensed. It is true in the history of this church and parish. 
'No one steward of God has been allowed here to stand and 
dispense from the first to his fellowmen the promises of gospel 
grace and mercj-. They could not continue by reason of 
death, yet the great and gracious Lord has continued the 
stewardship here. As one passed away another received it. 
Thus it has been continued from its first establishment till we 
find ourselves standing where we do to-day, by the sepulchers 
of our fathers, in the house of our God, with the gospel 
privileges untaken away. 

Here we stand to review the past, to mark the present, to 
anticipate the future. And how befitting it is that from the 
past and present we gather up useful lessons for the future. 

Twenty-five years ago yesterday, the twentieth day of 
December, 1826, I was ordained to the work of the ministry 
in this place, and put into the gospel stewardship for the dis- 
pensation of the provisions of life to my fellowmen in gen- 
eral, and especially to the church and people of this com- 
munity. One quarter of a century from that date has passed 
away ; which, within a fraction, covers one-fourth of the entire 
history of this church and parish. Standing on this point 
and throwing mj^ eye back over this period, my fii-st impres- 
sion is that of change. But the period has been marked off 



by such slow and regular strokes of time, that the real change 
is not at first apparent, only in confused view. We must 
travel back over the years, examine the records, and jot down 
the incidents and events that make up their history to get 
anything like a just cc)ni])reliension of the changes that have 
taken place and the things that have been affected in the time. 

To prepare the way for this I have thought it would be 
appropriate, and not unacceptable to the people, in the first 
phace, to go back to the beginning, and sketch the history of 
this church and parish from that point. In doing this I shall 
avail myself of the helps of records and other writings that 
are within my reach, premising that in a discourse of this 
nature minutia of detail will not be expected, as it would not 
accord to the time and the design of the present exercise. 

What is now the town of Canton, as is well known, was 
originally a constituent part of the town of Simsbury, and 
its early history, both civil and ecclesiastical, is of course 
identified with the history of that town. 

The settlement here M'as commenced, according to the best 
information I have, in the year 1737. And within a very 
few years after this date from twenty to thirty families had 
removed to tliis section of the town from the other portion, 
or what is now Simsbury. So that the beginning of the 
settlement here dates back only one hundred and fourteen 
years. Four years after this, in 1741, or about that time, the 
settlers here began to hold religious meetings on the Sabbath, 
separate from the old parish, in private houses. It is a deeply 
interesting fact in the history of emigration, especially in the 
days of our fathers, that religious institutions and privileges 
were so earnestly cared for ; that like the patriarchs of old, 
where they pitched their tents, there they built their altars 
and called on the name of the Lord. 

Two preachers, Rev. Adonijah Bidwell and Rev. Timothy 
Pitkin, were employed to labor with the people, each a short 
time, from the year 1747 to 1749, or 1750. Of the labors of 
these men little is known, but the fact of their employment 
is here stated. The place was constituted a distinct parish by 
act of Assembly at the May session, 1750, by the name of 



9 

West Simsbury, and a town by the name of Canton in 1806. 
Tlie church, though I find no record of tlie precise date, was 
organized, as is supposed, about the same time. 

The first ordained minister, settled as pastor of the churcli, 
was Rev. Evander INforrison, installed July 11, 1750, and dis- 
missed for some cause eleven months thereafter. So that the 
period of his ministry here was only about eleven montlis as 
pastor of the church. Pie was from Scotland and had been 
ordained as an evangelist in his native countr3^ 

The second pastor of the church was Rev, Gideon Mills. 
He had been previously settled in the old parish. According 
to the records of the society there was a vote passed Decem- 
ber 31, 1759, to settle or re-install Mr. Mills. But it does 
not appear that his installment took place till the year 1761. 
Under date of January 6, 1761, I find a vote to the following 
effect ; that the installment of Mr. Mills shall be on the tliii-d 
Wednesday of February next. So that in the absence ot 
subsequent records to the contrary, the conclusion is, that his 
installation here was on that day. His successor here was 
Rev. Setli Sage, ordained according to a vote of the society 
fixing the time for that service, the second Wednesday of 
July, 1774, and dismissed four years after, 1778. The fourth 
pastor of this church was Rev. Jeremiah Hallock. He 
was ordained October 26, 1785, and continued the faithful 
and indefatigable shepherd of the flock till his death, June 
23, 1826, a period of forty years and eight months. Previous 
to the settlement of Mr. Hallock, in the year 1783, Mr. 
Edmund Mills, afterwards settled in Sutton, Mass., was em- 
ployed to labor among the people in the things of the Gospel. 
He commenced his labors in June and continued about four 
months, I follow here the record made by Mr, Hallock, The 
labors of Mr. Mills were attended by the signal manifestation 
of the Holy Spirit in the conviction and conversion of sinners 
to God, and in quickening the members of the church to in- 
creased spiritual life and activity. As many as seventy or 
eighty were reckoned among the converts to God during the 
time of refreshing froin flie presence of tlie Lord. The 

2 



10 

quickening influence of this revival of religion was apparent 
for nearly two years. So far as is known this was the first " 
season of GocFs spiritual manifestation in a revival of religion 
in this place. The effect of this season of mercy on this 
church in its spiritual elevation and advancement, and in its 
progressive sentiment with respect to the true nature and 
character of a Christian church, is known by its fruits. Up 
to the date of this revival the church had practiced what was 
called the Half- Way. (The Half-Way covenant was a scheme 
adopted as early as 1657 to 1662, by the Congregational 
churches of New England to extend the privilege of church 
membership and infant baptism beyond the pale of actual 
communicants at the Lord's table. Unregenerate persons 
acknowledged the covenant and had their children baptized.) 
But after this awakening began it was imanimously voted out 
by the church. After the dismission of Mr. Sage, the church 
was in a very broken condition ; so that no correct iiistory or 
record of its doings could be found, not even a catalogue of 
the names of its members. But after this season of revival, 
Zion's interest wore a different aspect, and it became neces- 
sary to reorganize, or form themselves anew as a Christian 
body. This was done Fel>ruary 26, 1785, by the adoption of 
a covenant, confessions of faith, and articles of agreement. 
The confessions of faith and covenant are very similar to 
those now used by Congregational churches in Connecticut 
generally. In the articles of agreement the church adopted 
as Scriptural the following principles: 

1. The Scriptures the only rule of faith and practice. 

2. The Lord Jesus Christ the only Head of the Christian 
Church. 

3. The right of every particular church to hear and deter- 
mine all matters of discipline that respect its own members ; 
and that no council has right to determine for them or do 
anything binding without their consent. 

4. The ])ropriety of counsel and advice in cases of 
difficulty. 

5. That a visible Christian church consists of visible 
Christians. 



11 

6. That the infants of members of the cliurcli are proper 
subjects of baptism : ^. e., tlie infants of such members as are 
in complete or full communion. 

7. That it cannot be right for any church to bind them- 
selves by any set of articles of human composition, so that 
they may not add to them or take from them, whenever they 
see sufficient grounds from Scripture. 

The Christians of that day, we see, were deeply imbued 
with the congregational principle. "The word of God only," 
was the constitutional law. 

Mr, Hallock, the fourth pastor of the church, we have said 
w^as ordained October 26, 1785, thirty-five je-Avs after the 
organization of the church, and two years after the revival 
under the labors of Rev. Edmund Mills. During the first 
thirteen years of Mr. Hallock's ministry, as he himself records, 
spiritual things gradually declined, till the church was re- 
duced to a very low and gloomy state. At the beginning of 
1788, the number of members in the church was ninety. 
From September 2, 1788, to 1795, seventeen were added. 
From July 5, 1795, to July 2, 1797, seven were added. The 
years 1798 and 1799 were years of God's great mercy to this 
people, as M^ell as to very many other churches in New 
England. It has been called, not unfitly, "the memorable 
revival of 1798." Between seventy and eighty made a public 
profession of religion, who were considered the fruit of this 
revival. From March 3, 1799, to May 5, 1805, ninety were 
added to the church. Tliis was the second season of revival 
in the church. The year 1805 was another season of God's 
great merc}^ and about thirty were added to the church as 
the fruit of this harvest ; making the third period of God's 
great grace. The fourth season of refreshing from the Holy 
Spirit was in 1812 and 1813, which added twenty-eight to the 
church. Another in 1816, adding to the church seventy-one, 
and another in 1821, which added to the church fifty-six. 
Six in all previous to my coming among you, with the same 
mission of peace and salvation through the grace of the 
gospel. The number of members in the church in 1785, the 
year of Mr. Hallock's ordination, and those who joined 



12 

afterward down to liis deatli in 1826, is four liundred and 
tifty-six. Dednctini;- eii^hty for the number in the church at 
the date of his settlement, there will be left three hundred 
and seventy-six, as the number added to the church during 
the period of Mr. Ilallock's ministry of forty and two-third 
years, a fraction over a yearly average of fifteen. 

The first forty-five years, from 1737 to 1782, may be con- 
sidered as the period of settlement and organization. The 
first house for public worshij) was built in 1763. 

To show the interest and action in this enterprise, we recur 
to a vote of the society passed October 25, 1762 : " Voted, by 
said inhabitants of the parish, that it is necessary to proceed 
to build a meeting-house for public worship." Present at the 
meeting, thirty-eight ; all in the affirmative. Seventeen voters 
not present. How long this first meeting-house was in pro- 
cess of erection and completion we know not. This only the 
records show. November, 1763, voted to color the meeting- 
house; and in June, 1764, voted that the committee lay a 
tio-ht floor in the meeting-house, and get a cushion for the 
desk. 

In that house the people were accustomed to worship 
till the erection of the present church edifice in 1814, which 
was dedicated to the worship of the one living and true 
God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, January 5, 1815. That 
the good people of that day were an order-loving people is 
clear, from the fact that they were careful in making provis- 
ions for the " seating" of the meeting-house, and in designat- 
ing individuals by vote " to tune the psalm." (May 8, 1769, 
voted that Esquire Amasa Mills tune the psalm.) 

From 1782 to 1826, covering the entire period of Mr. Hal- 
lock's ministry, we ma}' contemplate as the period of growth 
and development. It was signalized, as we have seen, by a 
repetition of those seasons of religious revival, which have 
contributed so richly to the increase and diffusion of a spirit- 
ual religion, and to the growth of active piety, both in prin- 
ciple and in practice. During this period commenced that 
awakening of interest in the work of modern missions, which 
has enstamped on the first half of the nineteenth century the 



13 

glory of a missionary age. Tliis, too, is the period in \vliich 
sprung np the institution of Sabbath-scliools; aiul along 
which have increased the improvements and the moral and 
religious inHuence of these lights in the churches. The Sab- 
bath-school in this place was instituted April 30, 1819, by a 
vote of the church, constituting themselves a Sabbath- School 
Society, and inviting the ecclesiastical society to join with 
them. (Mr. Hallock was chosen stated moderator, William 
Stowe clei'k, and Lancel Foote superintendent.) 

In sketching the historj^ of this church and parish, it may 
not be out of place to notice the fact, that in 1783 a number 
of persons in the south part of the parish seceded from the 
Congregational society, and formed a church under the name 
of Separatists. Two years after, in 1785, a schism took place 
among the Separatists, which resulted in the secession of 
about one-half of the congregation, who embraced the tenets 
of the Baptist denomination, and were the beginning of the 
present Baptist church in that section of the town. In the 
north part of the parish, also, a house for religious worship 
was erected some sixty-five or seventy years ago by an inde- 
pendent association, or society; but the society was never 
recognized as a legally constituted body ; and although they 
had preaching for a time, they did not succeed. The house, 
gone to decay, was a few years ago taken down. (See Histoi-y 
of Simsbury, Granby, and Canton, by ISToah A. Phelps, 1815.) 

We have now taken a bird's-eye view of this church and 
parish from their beginning to the year 1826, the year in 
which dates the close of Mr. Hallock's labors, and the begin- 
ning of his successor's. My first coming to this ])lace by in- 
vitation of your society's committee was on Saturday, Sep- 
tember 16, 1826, three months after you had laid in the gi'ave 
the remains of my loved and venerated j)redecessor. The 
sod which covered all of him that was mortal was still fresh 
above him. the last message from heaven through his lips had 
scarcely died from the ear, and the supposition that the sun 
of your prosperity might have set with the setting of that 
light, was to be subjected to the test of a practical experiment. 
It was in these circumstances, in the ]n-ovidence of God, I 



14 

came among yon, " nnknowing and nnknown," and com- 
menced my labors the following day, September 17, 1826; 
and was ordained December 20, 1826. (See Autobiographical 
Sketch of Jairus Bnrt.) 

At this point commenced our relation as pastor and church, 
as minister and people. And the subsequent events in our 
history are to be contemplated under this relation ; all bearing 
on our ])resent and future well-being. On the one part, the 
gospel was to be ])reaehed, on the other, to be heard; on both 
that gospel was to be the reliance of all our Christian hope 
and anticipations. 

From that day to this we have had regular worship in this 
liouse on the Sabbath, and with few exceptions, the word of 
life has been dispensed by the living minister. (It is worthy 
of note and of due expression of gratitude to God, that what- 
ever may have been the diversity of view, or difference of 
feeling, at any time, respecting ways and means, among those 
who have led our worship in the songs of Zion, there has been 
no rupture in all the time of our services, such as to deprive 
us of the services of the choir.) Stated and occasional lec- 
tures have been attended; the missionary' and Sabbath-school 
concerts; the weekly prayer-meetings of the church, with 
occasional meetings for prayer and the preaching of the word 
in the several districts of the parish, have been held through 
all the years of our connection, and have been the means of 
accomplishing,, measurably, the object contemplated. The 
fruits of these labors, and the results of these privileges, we 
are permitted now to see only through a glass darkly. Yet, 
we anticipate their future exhibition in clearness and fullness 
in that "great day for which all other days were made." 

The number of members in this church at the date of my 
ordination, as nearly as can be ascertained, was two hundred. 
The first year of my labors among you, the year 1827, was 
one of the great power of God. Early in that year there 
were distinct tokens of the coming spiritual visitations of 
God; which Avere soon followed by those manifestations of 
interest, of concerti, of personal inquiry, of deep distress of 
mind in view of sin and the wrath of God, and of escape to 



the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the workl, and 
subseqnent peace and hope and joy, wliicli impressed on all 
that God was here of a trnth. The crowded meetinir, the 
anxions conntenance, the eai-nest prajcr, the smile of hope, the 
listening stillness while the messages of God wei'e delivered to 
the people, bore an nndonbting testimony to the presence and 
power of God. Dnring that year one hnndred and iifteen 
were added to the chnrch, all bnt five on profession of their 
faith in Christ. 

Of this nnmber eighty-eight were received at one time, Sep- 
tember 2, 1827. There was another season of religions inter- 
est, less general in 1831 ; some droppings of saving merc}^ in 
1834, and again in 1837 ; so also in 1841, 1847, and 1850. 

The M'hole number added to the chnrch since my ordination 
is three hnndred and eleven, of whom two hnndred and 
thirty-eight were received on profession of their faith, and 
seventy-three on the recommendation of sister churches. 
Hence the whole number in the church at the commencement 
of my ministry here and those added since is five hundred 
and eleven. Of this number ninety are marked as dead, 
I. e., died while members of this church. Of those who died 
after their removal from us we have not the means of know- 
ing, though we are sure the number is not small. Of the 
whole number removed one hundred and ninety-five are 
marked as having been removed by recommendation to the 
fellowship and privileges of other churches. Of these one 
hundred and ninety-five removed by letter, one hundred and 
twenty-seven were of those wdio had become members since 
the date of my ordination. Nine have been excluded from 
the church in the processes of Christian discipline according 
to the law of Christ's house. 

In the time under review there have been three hundred 
and forty-one administrations of the ordinance of baptism. 
Of these eighty-three were on profession of their faith in 
Christ, and two hundred and sixty-six were infants. Fifteen 
individuals have held the office of deacon in this church: 

Joseph Mills, Ephraim Willcox, Oliver Humphrey, Abra- 
ham Case, Moses Case, Thomas Bidwell, Benjamin Mills, 



16 

Theopliilns Ilumplirey, Solomon Everest, Alvin Humphrey, 
Jesse Case, Sr., Jesse Case, Jr., Uriah Ilosford, Elislia Siig- 
deii, Laiicel Foote. 

As the minister of Christ is autliorized by the civil powers 
of this State I have joined in marriage two hundred and six- 
teen couples; not all residents of this ]>arish, but most of them 
of this towu and vicinitj^ while a few couples were from 
neighboring States. 

On examining the register of mortality I iind the entry of 
three hundred and fifty-one deaths, making a yearly 'average 
of about 14. 

Till 1833 it was my practice to record all the deaths occur- 
ring within the limits of the town so far as known. Since 
that date I have recorded those only who died within the 
limits of the parish with others whose funeral I was called to 
attend within the vicinity of the parish. 

I have been accustomed to note on the register with proper 
signification the death of individuals, who had gone out 
from us and died abroad, in those cases where they had not 
ceased to consider this place as their home, or whose remains 
were brought here for interment. The highest recorded 
number of deaths in any one year was that of 1848, rising to 
twenty-seven, including one who had gone out from us and 
died abroad. The lowest yearly record is eight. That was 
the number in 1835 and 1836; and it is the number for the 
present year. The year 1831 was a year of mortality, the 
number reaching twenty-six. 

The institution of the Sabbath-school, which, as we have 
seen, commenced its operations here in the year 1819, has 
been sustained by the church and people with very commend- 
able interest and efficient purpose, on the whole, down to this 
time. And if all has not been accomplished that its friends 
and supporters have desired, enough of salutary fruit has 
been obvious to induce us to thank God and take courage. 
It has been a cheering auxiliary to the ministry ; and the 
garden from which have been gathered richest fruits in the 
successive times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord. 
The gathering here from Sabbath to Sabbath of fathers and 



17 

mothers, of sons and daughters, in their youth and in tlieir 
childhood, to study the Scriptures, has been among the 
brightest spots in our sunlight of hope, Tlianks be to God 
and under Him to all those who have given to this sacred 
object tlieir hearty interest and their personal cooperation. 
May the interest never be less : the efforts never fla<r. so lontj: 
as the sun and the moon shall endure. 

Tlie cause of Christian philanthropy and benevolence to 
some extent has had a place in our theory and in our practi- 
cal regard. We have been enabled and disposed to do some- 
thing for the spread of evangelical truth among the destitute 
of our own, and the benighted of other lands ; to cheer and 
raise the desponding heart of the poor and needy ; to inspire 
hope in minds darkened and crushed under the iron power of 
ecclesiastical and civil despotism ; thus contributing to shed 
light into the dark places of the earth, that are " full of the habi- 
tations of cruelty." The aggregate of our contributions to 
charitable and benevolent purposes in the last twenty-five 
years is $6,521.69, making a yearly average of $260.56, exclu- 
sive of those private and social charities which had respect 
more particularly to the needy among ourselves, many of 
which must await the disclosures of eternity. I refer to 
these things not to impress you that we have cause for boast- 
ing, but because they are matters of history- in which we have 
been particularly concerned. 

In the review of the past I have named two periods; the 
first, from the beginning of the settlement to 1782, I have 
called the period of settlement and organization ; the second, 
from 1782 to 1826, covering the period of Mr. Hallock's 
ministry, I have called the period of growth and development. 
And what shall we call the third, covered by the last twenty- 
five years ? This question must be answered by its character, 
its purposes, and its doings. As it respects ourselves within this 
period, a new Congregational society and church have been 
organized in the village of Collinsville on our southern border 
to which we have contributed in Christian fraternity our full 
quota of members. (Separate public worship was commenced 

3 



18 

in Collinsville on tlie Sabbath in 1831. The church was 
orj^anized in 1832. Tlie present house of worship was built 
in lb3G. This liouse was burned JaTiuary, 1857, immediately 
after the death of Mr. Bui-t. The present edifice was erected 
soon after. — Compilers.) Besides, our brethren of the M. E. 
church have, within the time, established public worship more 
rey,ularlj on our northern border. Two churches, also, have 
been built on the west of us within four miles in New Hart- 
ford, the one Cong-regational, the other Episcopal. 

But when we ask for the characteristic of the last twenty- 
jfive years, we must let out our view more extensively into its 
connection with the world around us. Whatever the period 
has been, it has not been one of repose and the spoils of a 
linal victory. The missionary and the Sabbath-school enter- 
prise, begun before, have come on from infancy to the strength 
of a ripe manhood. The revelations of Freemasonry and the 
unmasking of its extra-judicial and bloody oaths were at the 
beginning of this period, and though hunted as a beast of prej'' 
it still nestles under the arnj of the civil powers, and to some 
extent even yet linds aid and succor within the Christian 
Church. Though seemingly dead once in the light of its own 
revelation, there are now increasing signs of its resurrection 
with a great family of secret associations that have grown out 
of its temporary annihilation. This, too, has been the period 
of the great temperance movement in its struggle with appe- 
tite and interest; advancing now% and now ap])arently at a 
stand or falling back ; and then with newinvigoration of prin- 
ciple and of hope, and yearning over the hapless victims of 
the cup, she has towered up into the light and thrown out her 
line of life to the statesman and to the Christian. She has 
emboldened her advocates and aroused her foes, and the end is 
not yet. 

It has been the period, too, of waking thought, of earnest 
inquiry, and of cumulating knowdedge on the science and the 
practical working of civil and Christian freedom. Whenever, 
in this respect, was there a period in the history of the world, 
ecpial to the last iweniy-five years? The great argument, 
siin]»le and unanswerable, has come into the light and claimed to 



19 

be seen. As God made man in His own image, he is an 
intellectual being under moral responsibilities ; to develop 
which intellect and to meet which responsibility according to 
the will and requirements of God, civil and religious freedom 
is indispensable. This condition is our birthright and our 
boast. But what title have we from that High Court which 
alone can gave title here, that others have not ? This is the 
principle and this the argument underlying the power of 
that mighty movement which shall yet have the mastery of 
absolutism and despotic power whether civil, spiritual, or 
ecclesiastical. This has become the question of our country. 
It is the question of Europe, the question of the world. And 
along with tins has come into the light of an energetic dis- 
cussion the great principle of international peace, the abroga- 
tion of war, and the brotherhood of the human family. The 
world as it was, yea, as it is, and such topics as these coming 
up for thought and discussion as they have within the last 
quarter century^ topics full of moral principle and power, 
placing their lever under the despotisms and heaven-daring 
oppressions of the world, what name shall we give to the 
period ? It has been said that the last half century was a 
hero among the half centuries of the world ; that it towers 
above them like Saul, " who from his shoulders and upward 
was higher than any of the people." True, indeed. What 
then shall we say of the last quarter century ? Yea, that it is 
the hero of the half. It is the period marked by earnest 
mental application, inquiry, excitement, discussion, collision, 
correction, and instruction in righteousness ; the period of 
begun reforms both in church and state. And though, as in 
all beginnings of such things there may have been much to 
be deprecated, the world has advanced in the understanding 
of great principles and human rights and obligations, as in no 
similar period of her history. Whatever else has failed of 
establishment, the great right of individual thought, of private 
judgment, of personal liberty and protection by law, has got 
a hold on the mind's conviction, M'hich it never had before. 
It is coming to be believed, that it is the power of God through 
the workino; of human thouc^ht and will, which will overturn 



20 

and wipe away our cliattel slavery with its kindred wrongs, 
overturn tlie thrones of despots in the Okl World, and prepare 
the way for the reign of universal peace and righteousness 
throughout the earth. Such has been the period of our connec- 
tion, as pastor and church, as minister and people. And to say 
that always and in all things we have thought and felt alike 
would be equivalent to the assumption that we have no mind, 
or that we were all the slaves of one mind. I believe that we 
have all come to be settled on this principle : the right and 
obligation of individual thought and inquiry and opinion on 
all subjects of human interest and duty ; and that our cor- 
rectness or incorrectness is to be tested by the principles and 
moral light of the Word of God. Nor need we anticij^ate 
the reign of anarchy from this liberty ; but only from the 
attempt to obstruct or to hinder it. 

From the day of my ordination it has been my settled pur- 
pose to be with you as a man and as a minister of Christ, 
and be guided and directed by the principles of His Gospel, 
" callino; no man master." I have never for a moment felt at 
liberty to yield my convictions of truth and of duty to secure 
harmony even with my most cherished friends and able supporters. 
I hav^e not, I think, differed from any of my people on any 
subject, or on any moral or religious project, without pain ; 
and I would fain believe that so it has been with you. I 
assume it as a duty that I owe to God and to you to have my 
own judgjuent and be guided by my own convictions. And 
I assume it to be equally your duty to have your own judg- 
ment and be guided by your own convictions. So far as \ve 
may help to enlighten and correct one another, by mutual 
inquiry and discussion, it is obviously our right and our duty 
to do it within the limits of civility and Christian courtesy. 
All in all, I feel that I have much to thank you for, in view 
of your respected kindnesses, your liberality, your Christian 
candor and forbearance, and all your help and encourage- 
ment, which have cheered me in the hours of despondency, 
and nerved me in the field of toil and labor for your spiritual 
and everlasting good. That I have not erred, it would be 
arrogance to claim. Forgive me all my wrong in my goings 



21 

out and comings in among jou as the shc])lierd of the flock. 
A.nd be assured, it would be tlie joy and rejoicing of my 
heart to see you all walking in the pleasant and peaceful 
paths of wisdom. What shall be written to complete our 
probationarj' history and fill up the measure of our account, 
God alone knoweth. This we know, that time is short. We 
should double our diligence in tlie works given us to do. 
What changes, what overtiirnings, what advances have 
marked the period of our connection ! They have been such 
as in many respects, perhaps in most, are incident to man- 
kind in common in this lower state. Disappointments, sick- 
ness and death are written for all. On this sea of life we rise 
and fall like the frail vessel on the swellino- and retreating 
wave of an ocean of billows. We may attempt resistance, 
and buffet the billows as they rise and scowl on us with angry 
surge. But they will not cease their rolling till He speaks, 
whom 'the waters obey. Such shall be all human history, 
when it shall be written. That which has been is that which 
shall be. Yet there are to be accumulations of incidents in 
the progress of time as we advance toward the final catastro- 
phe. The last twenty-five years have passed quickly away. 
But what a multiplication of stirring incidents and achieve- 
ments on any twenty-five years that preceded them! All 
this indicates the advance toward the end. The past admon- 
ishes us. The future hastens. Where are now the men who 
one hundred and fourteen years ago first planted a settlement 
in this valley ? Where are the men who laid the foundation 
of this Christian church, and this ecclesiastical society? 
Gone, gone to the resting place of man. Yet once they 
were, and were as truly here as we are now. We read the 
record of their acts and doings. But they, in their low beds 
of dust, have commingled with the ground out of which man 
was taken; and their spirits are in the state of retribution. 
But to come nearer, could the three hundred and fifty-one 
whom we have buried within this quarter century rise up 
and stand before us and speak what they know, and testify 
what they have seen, and heard, and felt, would they not 
assure us — 



22 

" 'Tis not llie whole of life to live, 
Nor all of death to die " ? 

JMy beloved cliureh and people, whatsoever onr hand tind- 
etli to do, we should do with onr might. There is no work 
in the grave. Let us in looking back inquire earnestly for 
the improvement of the past. Here is our sanctuary, here 
are our Sabbaths; here is issued the proclamation of mercy 
to dying men ; here the gate of Heaven is opened, and the 
wanderer pointed to a home. O yes, there is a price in our 
hands to gret wisdom. But is there a heart to it? "Faith 
Cometh b}' hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Hear, 
heai\ that your souls may live. Come from Sabbath to Sab- 
bath to this house of worship, yourselves and your little ones. 
Find here a place and a privilege, not occasionally merely, 
but regularly, earlj^, with every Sabbath's blessed light. 
]\[ake it a matter of principle, of conscience, and of hope. 
"VVho of you all is there who has not concerns in the things of 
the gospel of life and immortality through the cross of our 
Lord Jesus Christ? 

We cast our eye forward into the future, "all to us 
unknown," and implore the guiding light of faith over all the 
way of our pilgrimage that remains, in this rejoicing, that 
" God ruleth over all and doetli all things well." Yes, we 
may rejoice that He presides over the changes of time, that in 
the thickening scene of events, which marks our age, as one 
thrown forward toward the great consummation, the God of 
order reigns, that He will reign till the confusion ceases, till 
His enemies shall be subdued under Him, and His rightful 
dominion established and acknowledged from sea to sea, and 
"from the river to the ends of the earth." Yea, till the 
Angel of Revelation, standing on the sea and on the land, 
shall lift his hand and swear that time shall be no longer. 



23 



STATEMENT OF PASTORATES. 

The foregoing sermon contains an accurate and succinct 
history of the Congregational Churcli in Canton, up to the 
time of its deliver}^, Dec. 21, 1851. 

Mr. Burt continued the beloved and useful pastor of the 
church until his death, Thursday, Jan. 15, 1857. His funeral 
was appointed on the following Monday, but on account of a 
severe snow storm which began on Sabbath evening, and con- 
tinued with little abatement for several days; it was post- 
poned until the next Thursday, one week after his death ; and 
even on that day the northwest winds blew with such fury that 
tlie roads were tilled with the drifting snow, rendering it im- 
possible for the people from the hills to be present. The 
sermon was preached by Rev. Charles B. McLean of Collins- 
ville, who for thirteen years had been his near ministerial 
neighbor and devoted friend. The text was 1 Tim. iv, 8 : 
" The life that now is and that which is to come." 

The sermon was published. It is an aii'ectionate and just 
tribute to the memor}^ of a good man. In speaking of some 
of his more prominent characteristics, Mr. McLean says: 
" One of them was a strong and earnest love of right. He 
loved it for itself; for its own sake, and because he saw and 
felt its excellence and its sacredness. He loved it because he 
felt that God loves it and makes it the principle to guide his 
own conduct. He felt that questions of duty must be settled 
in his own mind, and that he himself was responsible to God 
for the decision that he made ; and while he was ready to 
admit light and evidence from any source, he would not suf- 
fer any human authority to come between his conscience and 
his God. Growing out of this was an honesty of soul. 
There was no disguise, no concealment in him. His open 
countenance was an index of his mind and heart. 

'' Another prominent feature of his character, was a large 
humanity. Not a mere sentiment, but a love for man that 
became a steady principle of his life. His humanit}' was 
eminently Christian. He entered with all his heai't into 



24 

every measure of reform and every movement that wonld 
lessen the evils under which man groans and suffers. 

"Another characteristic was his faith in God. He confided 
in the wisdom and goodness that always preside in the divine 
administration, 

" This was a favorite topic in his discourses. He was always 
hopeful. It was a principle with him that a Christian ought 
never to be discouraged. In the darkest hours his faith did 
not fail him: for he felt that God was guiding and control- 
ling all events to his own high ends. 

" His dying, triumphant words to a brother in the church, 
standing by his bedside were : ' Brother, I have no fears.' " 

The following tribute to Mr. Burt's character was published 
at the time of his death in several papers and entered upon 
the records of tlie Society: 

'' In his public ministrations, Mr. Burt was peculiarly 
original and ])ractical, often rising to passages of sublime and 
impassioned eloquence. The Sabbath preceding his death, 
he preached with great vigor and vivacity in the morning on 
the words " Who can stand before his cold ? " and in the 
afternoon " In all thy ways acknowledge him," a fitting close 
for the labors of a life. AYho that ever attended his ministry 
can fail to cherish the recollection of the devout and eloquent 
simplicity with wdiich he was accustomed to address the 
throne of grace, portraying with vivid minuteness the subject 
matter for which he was supplicating ! Mr. Burt descended 
from a long line of Puritan ancestry, and through life venera,- 
ted the Puritan character and practiced the Puritan virtues. 

" Endowed by Nature with qualities calculated to command 
influence, he undeviatingly exerted that influence not only 
among his own people, but throughout a large circle of 
acquaintances in advancing the cause of his Divine Master, 
and in inducing an inflexible adherence to the right. No 
consideration of either public or private expediency could in- 
duce him to deviate from his conscientious convictions. At 
one period of his ministry, after critical examination and 
deliberate, prayerful consideration, he assumed a position on 
a great moral question of absorbing interest far in advance of 



25 

a niajority of his people, or even of a majority of his brethren 
in the ministry. During the trials incident to his position, 
his peculiar traits of character shone with a brilliancy and 
lustre which won the admiration of some who imagined him 
in error. Calm, cool, and deliberate, he maintained his posi- 
tion with an irresistible firmness of purpose, exhibiting a 
decision of character rarely equaled, and while he regretted 
with keen sensibilit}'^ the necessity of wounding the feelings 
of friends, no inducements, entreaties, or persuasions, could 
induce him to swerv^e from his conscientious convictions of 
duty. 'Duties belong to man, events to God,' appeared to 
be his motto. With a liberal and confiding people, his 
inflexible, conscientious adherence to duty could not and did 
not mar either their confidence or his nsefuhiess. He 
assiduously labored on both for their temporal and eternal 
welfare, and had the satisfaction of ultimately seeing almost 
his entire people standing side by side with him in the great 
moral effort of which he had been the pioneer. 

" He went down to his grave loved and revered by his people 
for his faithfulness ; venerated for his devoted piety, and 
honored for his inflexible integrity. He fell in the full vigor 
of his ripened intellect, and in the midst of his usefulness. 
Few clergymen have fallen more lamented by the people of 
their charge. Few people have had greater cause for lamen- 
tation. Long will his memory be gratefully cherished by 
that people, and by a large circle of devoted friends and 
acqnaintances." 

Resolutions of Hartford North Association on the death of 
Rev. Jairus Burt of Canton : 

Resolved, That this body has heard with profound sorrow of the death of 
their brother, Rev. .Jairus Burt, and morn for him as a faithful minister 
of the gospel, greatly endeared to his own flock by his labors of love, his 
self-sacrificing spirit, his diligent ministrations, his earnest and able 
defense of the truth, and his blameless example ; and to his brethren in 
the ministrj^ by his uniform courtesy of manner, his unaffected sincerity 
and cordial co operation in every good word and work. In him, the 
church has lost a wise counselor and efficient laborer, and this body an 
active and judicious member. 

Resolved, That whilst deeply mindful of our great loss, we desire hum- 
4 



26 

lily to give tlianks to God for tlie benefits He has conferred on our 
churches, through the hibors of His servant, and upon ourselves through 
our intercourse and communion with him. 

Resolved, That we present to the widow of our deceased brother, our 
sympathy in her great sorrow, and express our hope that she may be 
strengthened in spirit and comforted with the consolation of God. 

Samuel H. Allen, Moderator. 

Samuel J. Andrews, Scribe. 

Two sermons of Mr. Burt's, inspired by the agitation of 
the slavery question then beginning to arise in the land, and 
showing the depth of his convictions on the subject, were 
published. 

The iirst, " The law of Christian rebuke — a plea for slave- 
holders," was preached at Middletown, Conn., before the anti- 
slavery convention of ministers and other Christians, Oct. 18, 
1843. Text, Lev. xi\, 17, "Thou shalt in any wise rebuke 
thy neighbor and not sutfer sin upon him." 

The second, " Moral responsibility of citizenship," was 
preached in his own pulpit, the day before the quadrennial 
meetinir for the choice of electors of President and Vice- 
President of the United States, Nov. 3, 1814. Text, Rom. 
xiii, 1, " The powers that be are ordained of God," and Pom. 
xiii, 4, " He is the minister of God to thee for good." 

In the June following Mr. Burt's death, the church and 
society extended a call to Pev. Frederick Alvord, then a 
member of the Senior Class in the East Windsor Theological 
Seminary, 16 become their pastor, but he declined the call on 
the ground that he was not then ready to settle. 

Feb. 2, 1858, Pev. Warren G. Fiske was installed pastor and 
dismissed July 1, 1861. During his ministry, thirty-live were 
received to the church on confession. 

After Mr. Fiske's dismission, the pulpit was supplied by the 
Pev. John Dudley for sixteen Sabbaths, and subsequently by 
a Pev. Mr. Dutton. 

Oct. 29, 1862, Pev. Charles N. Lyman, a recent graduate 
of the Yale Divinity School, was ordained pastor of the 
church. Prof. George P. Fisher of Yale College preached 
the sermon. 



In 186'4, Mr. Lyman, liaving received an appointment as 
Chaplain in the army, was granted a furlough for one year. 

For about two months of this time, the pulpit was supplied 
by Rev. F. Alvord, who had been called to the pastorate in 
1857. 

Mr. Lyman was dismissed, at his own recpiest, Sept. 21, 

18G8. 

During his ministry there were seventy-six additions to the 
church on confession, and many by letter. In a season of 
religious interest, in 1866, he was assisted by Rev. Mr. Potter, 
the evangelist. 

Mr. Lyman was born in Hartford, Conn., May 14, 1835. 
When a boy, his father removed to Manchester, Conn., where 
the son united with the First Congregational Church, in 1852, 
then under the pastoral care of Rev. Frederick T. Perkins. 

He was graduated at Yale College in 1859, studied theology 
at New Haven, and after leaving Canton, he removed west 
and became pastor of the Congregational Church at Dunlap, 
Iowa, Dec. 16, 1868, remaining till Jan. 1, 1871. 

He tlien became acting pastor of the Congregational Church 
at Onowa, Iowa, where he is still doing efficient work. 

In 1869, Rev. Austin Gardner became acting pastor and 
closed his labors Jan. 1, 1873. After leaving Canton, he was 
acting pastor several years at West Suffield, and then became 
pastor at Buckingham, Conn., where he still remains useful 
in his work. 

While in Canton, through his efforts, the church debt was 

nearly paid. 

Soon after Mr. Gardner left, the church voted to recall Mr. 
Lyman, but he declined. 

In 1871, the Methodist Churcli at North Canton, which for 
several years had held meetings in the school-house, completed 
and occupied its house of worship. At this time several 
families, who had worshiped at the Center, withdrew and 
connected themselves permanently with the Methodists. 
Tlius again the old parish was narrowed down on the north, 
as it formerly had been on the south and southeast. 

In 1873, the property now owned and occupied by Mrs. 



28 

Azubah Shepard came into the possession of the society, the 
gift by will of Mr. Titus Case, to be used as a parsonage fo 
long as public worshiji should be maintained at or near the 
site of the present meeting-house. Otlierwise the will pro- 
vided that it should go to the Connecticut Missionary Society. 
This contingent interest was, however, purchased by the 
Ecclesiastical Society. In 1874, upon the death of Mrs. 
Linda Hosford, widow of Dea. Uriah Hosford, the house 
whicli for more tlian seventy-five years had been the minis- 
ter's home, by her will, fell to the society. 

In 1876, the Case parsonage was sold and the proceeds put 
into the new house, completed in 1877, and now held and 
occupied as a parsonage. 

In 1874, extensive repairs were made ujkju the church 
edifice. The society pledged $1,800, and Mr. J. Howard 
Foote generously agreed to pay the balance and was appointed 
superintendent of the work. At this time also, the bell was 
recast and hot-air furnaces put into the church. The house 
was rededicated Nov. 19, 1874. The sermon was preached 
by Rev. David B. Hubbard, pastor elect. The dedicatory 
services took place in the morning, and in the afternoon Mr. 
Hubbard was installed as pastor of the church. He was dis- 
missed Feb, 1, 1885. During his ministry there were tw^o 
seasons of general religious interest, one in 1874, when 
twenty-seven were added by confession, the other in 1876, 
when seventeen were added. During his ministry of eleven 
years, ninety-two were added, sixty-seven on confession, and 
twenty-five by letter. 

Rev. Evander Morrison. 

In the records of the society Ave find the receipt given by 
Mr. Morrison at the close of his eleven months' pastorate, dis- 
charging the society from all further pecuniary obligations. 
The document is so curious, and doubtless so characteristic, 
that it seems worth}' of preservation as a picture of " y^ olden 
time." We give it verbatim et literatim et punctuatim : 

""West Simsbury June the 22«Jay ad 1751 then rec"* of mr 
thomas harbor amos Case and Esekiel humphry a siaity Com^''^ 



29 

for the sosiety two hundred and seventy six j^onnds fifteen 
shillings nionej^ or secured to nie to my full Satisfaction from 
them in which I y® Sd mr avender morison do aquit and dis- 
charge y" Sd soiety in west sinisbury in which I was In staled 
in the work of the ministry on the 11 of July last in the year 
1750 in which I y^ Sd mr evander morison do aquit and dis- 
charge y® sosiety from y® settelment that was voted me which 
was to buld me a house and I also disscharge the sosiety from 
my sallery which was voted me from y® sosiaty and I y*" Sd 
mr morrison do aquit and discharge y^ Sd sosiety from y^ 
wood which was voted me which was thirty Cords per year 
and I y'' Sd mr morison do aquit and discharge the sosiety 
from all demands from the begining of the world to this day 
and forever after reed in full I say reed per me as witnis my 
hand 

In presonts of 

Joseph Clark Evander morison. '- 

Ezekiel Case 

In face of such a receipt, it is to be presumed that Mr. 
Morrison never made any further claims against the " sosiaty." 
Beyond the simple fact mentioned by Mr. Burt that he was 
ordained as an evangelist in Scotland, this receipt contains 
all tliat is known of him. Not a word from the written page 
or from the lips of the living reveals anything of him as a 
man or as a minister; of the condition of the church under 
his ministry, or of his subsequent life. 

Rev. Gideon Mills. 

It appears that after laboring with the people one or two 
years, Mr. Mills, the second pastor, was installed in February, 
1761, and dismissed in the latter part of 1771, his entire 
ministry covering about thirteen years. He continued to re- 
side in town until his death, in 1772, and was buried in the 
South burying ground. On his tombstone is the following 
inscription : 

" In memory of Rev. Gideon Mills, the late worthy pastor 
of the church of Christ in West Simsbury, a shining example 



30 

of ninvearied application and fidelity in the aeeoniplislnnent 
of the sacred ministry and of practical Christianity in his 
daily conversation, having finished his course and kept the 
faith, on the 4th of August, 1772, he fell on sleep, in the 59tli 
year of his life and the 28th of his ministry. Quis cordolio 
sit d')lor aut modus tarn cliari capitis.''^ 

The following is from the tombstone of Mrs. Mills, who 
was buried beside her husband : 

"In memory of 

Mks. Elizabeth Mills, 

Relict of the 

Rey. Gideon Mills, 

who died July 27, 1774, in the 5 1st year of her age. 

In her were united the virtues of a tender wife, an affectionate mother, 

and a sincere Christian. 

Nor sex nor age can death ^eiy. 
Think, mortal, what it is to die." 

Mr. Mills was graduated at Yale College, 1737. It is an 
interesting fact that he was of the same ancestry as the Rev. 
Samuel J. Mills, son of the Rev. Samuel J. of Torringford, 
Conn., one of the iirst missionaries of the American Board. 

The following sketch of Mr. Mills is taken from Abiel 
Brown's Genealogical History of the Early Settlers of West 
Simsbury: 

"• Rev. Gideon Mills was the seventh son of the first Peter 
Mills, of Hollandish descent. His wife, whose maiden name 
was Elizabeth, daughter of Brewster Higley, spent the most 
part of her youth and girlhood in tlie family of her cousin, 
the first Gov. Trumbull of Lebanon. 

" The Rev. Mr. Mills, having been minister in Old Sims- 
bui-y previous to 1755 (1744-1754), after living and preaching 
one or two years in West Simsbury, he was installed in the 
year 1761. He lived and died on the place which was left to 
his son Gideon, and which, after passing through several 
hands, was lately owned by Henry Foote. 

"All the time of his ministry in West Simsbury he lived 
tM'o and one-half miles from the meeting-house, over a very 
hilly, cold, and uneven road, which would now be called a 



31 

liard Sabbatli day's journey for a clergyman or a layman ; 
tins road lie traveled Aveekly, and sometimes nuicli oftener. 
One incident respecting the Rev. Gideon Mills is thought 
worthy of notice. lie was habitually fond of music, and 
would request others that could sing to join with him, and he 
retained his relish for singing even to his dying moments. 
He died of a cancer in the face, which kept him in great suf- 
fering for many of the last weeks of his life. He dwelt much 
on the sentiments expressed in the 38th Psalm (Watts), 
' Amidst th}' wrath remember love,' etc. ; also the 39th, ' God 
of my life look gently down.' Just before he expired he re- 
quested his friends and "attendants to sing the 38th Psalm, 
'Amidst thy wrath remember love,' and attempted to join 
with them ; but when the fore part of the psalm was sung he 
expired, so that it was said by Mr. Hallock on a certain 
occasion, that he died singing the 38th Psalm." 

After Mr. Mills closed his labors, the Eev. Lemuel "Wood- 
bridge and Mr. John Eliott supplied the pulpit, each several 
montlis, the latter of whom received a call to settle; but be- 
yond this the records are silent. 

Rev. Seth Sage. 

In 1774, Rev. Seth Sage of Middletown, Conn., was or- 
dained as pastor of the church, and dismissed in 1778. After 
his dismission he preached several years in the north part of 
Canton, for an independent religious body which had applied 
to the General Assembly for an act of incorporation; but, for 
some unknown reason, were refused. Mr. Sage continued to 
serve them until his death, the date of which we have no 
record. The house in which they worshiped was taken down 
about 1842, and the proceeds used for purchasing a library. 

At the dismission of Rev. Mr. Sage the church was in low 
spiritual condition. This will not seeui strange when we con- 
sider that the colonies were convulsed with war, and the men 
were obliged to serve in the army, while the women ])erformed 
the manual labor, raising the crops and caring for the flocks 
and herds. At this time also much sickness ]n-evailed among 



32 

the people, caused by the return of soldiers fi-oni the army, 
who brought back disease in their clothing. 

Between 1778 and 1785, from the dismission of Mr. Sage 
to the settlement of Mr. Hallock, the records show that Rev. 
Elam Potter, E,ev. Mr. Woodbridge — probably the same 
man who had formerly preached for the people — Rev. Abra- 
ham Prowler, and Rev. Edmund Mills supplied the pulpit. 
Rev. Mr. Potter was invited to settle; but as there was oppo- 
sition to his settlement, the matter w^as dropped. Rev, Ed- 
mund Mills preached for about four months, and although it 
was in the summer, a powerful revival attended his labors, 
during which between seventy and eighty were hopefully 
converted. 

A Sketch of the Life and Ministry of the Rev. Jeremiah 
Hallock, Condensed from the Biography by Rev. Cyrus 
Yale. 

Mr. Hallock Avas born March 13, 1758, at Brookhaven, 
L. I. His father's name was AVilliam Hallock, his mother's, 
Alice Homan. His father was a man of prayer. " I have 
repeatedly," said Mr. Hallock, " found him at prayer in some 
retired place. I know of none with whom I could talk more 
freely on religious subjects." 

Jeremiah was the oldest of nine children, and, consequentlj', 
the severe labor of the farm fell upon liiin until he was twenty- 
one. When he was eight, his father moved to Goshen, Mass. 
While here Mr. Hallock was twice called to aid in the war of 
the Revolution. This discipline assisted him in the hardships 
of his subsequent life. Many times in mental distress the 
memory of one fearful night on Lake George recurred to him, 
and he took courage on hearing once more the pilot's call, 
" Steady, boys," and the answer, " All's well." 

Li these years he had few school privileges. He spent 
much time in reading and memorizing the Bible ; but w^as 
not a Christian, though accustomed to pray. One day he 
closed a prayer with these words, " And when I come to die, 
lit me for death." Instantly he saw the absurdity of deferring 



33 

that preparation niitil the closing hour of life, and determined 
to wait no longer. It was several months before any remark- 
able change of mind came to him, and then he writes of feel- 
ing as if " every head of straw in the oats he was reaping 
was arrayed with a kind of rainbow glory, the glory of God." 
His conversion was of such depth and sincerity that he at 
once began a life of Christian activity. The revival during 
the subsequent winter, 1780, was partly due to his public and 
private eiforts. In this revival he engaged energetically, 
exhorting, conducting services, or conversing with people in 
private. 

The next four years he spent in preparation for the minis- 
try. In August, 1780, he entered Timothy Dwight's pre- 
paratory school at Nortiiampton. Here the dry study of 
Latin vexed him as it does many a student to-day. In 1781 
he united with the church in Goshen. September, 1782, he 
Avas fitted for college, but ill health prevented his entering. 
He soon began theological studies which he carried on under 
several different ministers. In April, 1783, he visited Mr. 
Abraliam Fowler of West Simsbury, now Canton, and spent 
the summer studyino- w^itli him. He notes that a great revi- 
val was in progress under the preaching of Rev. Edmund 
Mills. About one hundred were converted. 

In January, 1781, he expected to be licensed to preach ; 
but severe storms prevented the assembling of the association, 
and he was obliged to defer the matter till April. His 
cherished desire was to be an itinerant preacher, and only the 
plain will of God led him to become a settled pastor. He 
preached in man}- different places, and such was his popu- 
larity that ffve churches at one time were awaiting his accept- 
ance of their call. He had preached frequently in Canton, 
and been with the people during two revivals. Though he 
refused their call, they renewed their invitation, seconded by 
the youth of the congregation. This time he accepted, and 
was ordained October 26, 1785. 

In the s[)ring of 1780 Mr. Hallock married Mercy Humph- 
rey, a daughter of Oliver Humphrey. Three children were 
5 



34 

1)01*11 to tlicni, Jereiiiiali Ihnni)lii'ev, who was educated at 
Williains Ci>lle<2;e, and who become presiding jiidtre in tlie 
circuits of Oliio, and an esteemed officer in the churcli ; Wil- 
liam IIoinaiK who s])ent his life in this town; and Sarah, who 
died in her tifteenth year. 

A few words now concerning Mr. IlaHock's character and 
manner of life, will disclose to us the secret of his usefulness 
among this people. He was essentially a religious man. 
Prayer was his " vital breath," and " to do the will of God 
M'as more than his meat and drink." Many a secluded spot 
in the forests near his residence was consecrated by his peti- 
tions, lie designed to spend several hours each day in devo- 
tion, and observed fast-days as often as he could. He greatly 
regretted if anything interrupted these plans. He was benev- 
olent, and no needy person was ever turned empty away 
ironi his door. He stood fearlessly for the right when God's 
cause demanded ; but was willing to yield his own opinions 
when no priiicii)le was at stake. At one time a pronounced 
infidel was a])})ointed school visitor. Mr. Hallock rose in 
the meeting and pleaded so eloquentl)- for Christ and the 
safety of his ]ieople that the decision was reversed. 

A few anecdotes are so cliaractei"istic that to omit them 
would be to miss giving a vivid picture of the man. 

In a sermon he once wished to impress on his people the 
strength of Satan. He said, " The Devil is as much stronger 
than Ca})t, Fred. Humphreys (a man of giant proportions) as 
Oapt. Fred. Humjihreys is stronger than my little Jerry." 

A brother minister, troubled by difficulties in his parish, 
came to him for comfort. Mr. Hallock said : " Be not 
alarmed, my young brother. Soon after my ordination I 
thought for a time they w^ould kill me. One enemj^ opened 
a battery on the right, another on the left; I trembled — I 
looked to see myself fall every moment — I wondered that I 
remained alive ; but I found, after a while, it was all roar, 
roar, and not a single bullet.'''' 

" In J\Ir. Ilallock's familiar circle of ministers, two persons 
were referred to who gave equal evidence of piety, while one 
professed a hope in Christ and the other did not.' The ques- 



35 

tion was, liow far the absence of hope was evidence against 
the Latter. One and another gave their views, when Mr. Hal- 
lock said, ' Snppose I send my two boys down to clean out 
my well, and it caves in upon them. The neighbors help me 
to dig down to them, when it occurs to me that possibly they 
might hear my voice. I cry out, ' Jeremiah, are you dead V 
' No, sir.' ' Homan, are you dead ? ' ' Yes, sir,' They report 
themselves difterently, but I have equal evidence that both 
are alive.' " 

As a preacher, his style had little oratorical eloquence, but 
much of that power which comes from sincere heart prepara- 
tion. He write-in one place, " O, may I always eat my ser- 
mons before I preach them." Soon after he came to Canton 
he adopted the motto, " What can I do for God ? " This he 
sought to follow, though sometimes hindered by the opposition 
of his people. More often he complains of his own coldness 
and lack of spiritual vigor. He had a profoundly melancholy 
disposition, united to a keenly sensitive conscience ; and con- 
sequentl}" we find him mourning over every hint of sin in 
his heart. A life so carefully guarded could not fail to be 
fruitful in its influence over all who knew him. 

For twelve years he had labored with but few encouraging 
results. Suddenly, in tlie fall of 1798 a revival began. 
Silently and rapidly the Spirit's influence spread. Thought- 
less young people and hardened infldels were subdued, and 
the salvation of the soul was the theme of conversation. 
Between sixty and seventy were hopefully converted. 

In 1801 Mr. Hallock s})ent four months as a missionar}' in 
Vermont in obedience to the call of the Connecticut Mission- 
ary Society. On returning, he assisted in I'evivals in neigh- 
boring parishes. In 1805 another interesting revival pre- 
vailed in his own church. About thirty were hopefully con- 
verted. In the spring of 1800 Mr. Hallock, with his deacons, 
visited all the people in the parish for religious conversation. 
One would infer from his notes that there was as much relig- 
ious destitution in the communit}^ then as there is now. 

In the autumn of 1806 his son, Jeremiah, entered AVilliams 



36 

Oollesj;e. Many were the [)niycrs for this child, who as yet 
was not a Christian. 

In 1807 Mr. Halloek spent four months on a second mis- 
sionary tour in Yerinont. 

Mr. riallock notes that in March, 1811, Rev. Samuel J. 
Mills, the pioneer missionary, occupied the pulpit acceptably 
one Sabbath. 

The years 1812 and 1813 were marked by another revival, 
during which about twenty-eight were brought into the 
church. The pastor's own heart was grieved by the depart- 
ure of his eldest son for Ohio without manifesting an interest 
in religion. 

In the autumn of 1813 a severe trial came to Mr. Ilallock. 
Sarah, his only daughter, was stricken with the spotted fever, 
and in less than two weeks passed away. Her father's chief 
anxiety was for the salvation of her soul. He continued 
through life to cherish her memory with a peculiarly tender 
affection. Scarcely had she fallen when Homan was taken 
with the same disease. He was brought so near death that 
for three hours he lay in an apparently dying state. The 
loving father's lieart was agonized for his salvation. He 
wrote in his joui-nal: "And what shall I say? What shall I 
do? AVhere shall I go ? O, Lord, keep me from murmuring. 
O, most merciful God, if it can be consistent with Thy will, 
that we might have some evidence of Iiis being a subject of 
Gospel faith and pardon I — but O, that in this I might also 
be resigned." At length Homan rallied, and lived to be an 
aid to his father and an honored and useful man in our town. 
Before he had recovered, Mrs. Halloek became sick with the 
same disease, and shortly after Mr, Halloek was seized. His 
illness pi-e vented him from preaching for nearly four months. 
The people were exceedingly kind and helpful, not only in 
word, but in deed. During his sickness the people agreed to 
build a new church. Since the incorporation of the church 
in 1750, the people had worshiped in the building erected 
about that time. This was now considered too small, and 
they joined unanimously in removing it, and leveling the hill 
on which it stood. The new buildinsr was erected on the 



37 

same site. Mr. Orange Case, a valuable member of the 
church and society, was killed by the accidental fall of the 
first tree cut for the frame of the new house. January 5, 
1815, this was dedicated. Mr. Hallock's dedication sermon 
from 1 Kings, viii, r>3, Avas soon after printed, and is now in 
existence. During 1816 and 1817 sixty-four were added to 
the church. 

Mr. Hallock now began to feel the infirmities of ag-e, but 
he still continued active work. He went here and there, 
attending associations of ministers, or assisting in revival ser- 
vices, often enduring hardships that younger ministers shrank 
from. In 1820 occurred the last general revival in which he 
ever engaged, lie often rode twenty miles or more to assist 
neighboring clergymen. 

The year 1822 brought him the joyful news that his eldest 
son was hopefully converted. Soon after he wrote: "He 
has been a child of my daily prayers; I have often thought 
of those words where the psalmist speaks of praying until his 
throat was dried, and of looking until his eyes failed. I 
I could hardly believe for joy." Great was his joy when this 
son visited him a few years later and partook of the Lord's 
Supper with him. 

February 15, 1824, he preached a sermon from IS^umbers, 
X, 1-10, with reference to the hell, which was rung that day 
for the first time. 

The record of the next two years is one of suffering. In 
the spring of 1825 Mrs. Hallock became ill with a tedious 
and incurable disease. The year had scarcely closed before 
his own health began to decline. He still continued public 
labor tliouo-h he wrote often of distressing; nights and 
increasing weakness. 

Ma}' 21, 1826, he preached two sermons and administered 
the Lord's Supper. The second sermon and the last he ever 
preached was founded on Ps., xci, 1, " He that dwelleth in 
the secret place of the Most High, shall abide under the 
shadow of the Almighty." Surely he dwelt there. 

June 20th, he was stricken with apoplexy and lingered 
three days. His lucid intervals were filled with words about 



38 

Jesus, and prayers for the friends lie was leaving beliind. 
His last intelligent words were addressed to his grandson 
William, — " O, yon little boy, may it be said of you, as of 
Enoch, that you 'walked with God.' I trust 1 have the 
haiii)iness of (Christ's ]>resence." 

His funeral was attended June S-tth by the Rev. Cyrus Yale 
of New Hartford, who preached a sermon from Gen. v, 24. 

The following just remarks concerning Mr. Jlallock 
appeared soon after his death in the Connecticut Observer. 

" Mr. Hallock was a burning and shining light. He was 
one of the most distinguished godly men that Christ has 
raised up in the New England churches. As a minister of 
the gospel, he was mightj^ in the Scriptures. His sermons 
were fraught with plain evangelical truth, and they were 
delivered with all the tenderness and solemnity of a dying 
man preaching to dying men. When Mr. Hallock spoke ; 
when he proclaimed the message of the Lord of Hosts, there 
was silence in the house of God. All present must hear and 
feel. Many who have gone to heaven before him, and many 
whom he has left in this vale of tears recognize him as their 
spiritual father. Perhaps, no minister of the Gospel since the 
apostle John, has been more universally beloved ; as a Chris- 
tian he was humble, holy, and heavenly minded. From the 
day on which he dated his conversion until his pilgrimage on 
earth was closed, he never slumbered nor slept. He felt and 
lived like one who knows he has a great work to perform, 
and an interest of immeasuraUe importance at stake, and 
not a moment to lose. He saw the night of death approach- 
ing, and labored while the day of life lasted. He conversed, 
he studied, he prayed, he visited, and he preached with the 
iinal judgment in view. With him, religion was ev^erything. 
He died as he lived. He lived unto the Lord, and he died 
unto the Loi*d. His sun went down without a cloud. As 
the scenes of eternity were bursting upon his view, he said to 
one of his brethren (Rev. Mr. McLean), " Brother, I am far 
from having distressing doubts and fears. If I have not 
loved Christ and Christ's things, I don't know wdiat I have 
loved. I think I can say that the gospel which I have 



39 

attempted to preach for more than forty yeai's, is now like an 
anclior in a storm." While in the agonies of death liis last 
prayer was : — " O, God prepare me for, and take me to Thyself, 
throno;]i Him who said, Lo I am with you always; grant me 
Thy presence even until death. O, may I go penitent; go in 
faith — go in love to Jesus. ' O, Lord, come and take me.' " 
In English Literature there are two unsurpassed portraits 
of pastors : one by Oliver Goldsmith in the last century, 
the other by Chaucer about four hundred years before. If 
either writer had lived in Jeremiah Hallock's time, one might 
almost suspect that he had been taken as a model. They 
have drawn his cjiaracter in better words than we can choose, 
and we will close this brief sketch by quoting a part of each 
portrait. 

" Benigne he was, and wonder diligent, 
And in adversite ful pacient ; 
Wyd was his parische, and houses fer asounder, 
But he ne lafte not for reyne ne thonder, 
In siknesse nor in meschief to visite 
The ferreste in his parissche, moche and lite, 
Uppon his feet, and in his hand a staff. 
This noble ensample to his scheep he yaf , 
That first he wroughte, and afterward he taughte, 
Out of the gospel be tho wordes caughte. 

" He waytede after no pompe and reverence, 
But Christes lore, and his apostle twelve. 
He taught, but first he folwede it himselve." 



Near yonder copse, where once the garden smiled, 
And still where many a garden flower grows wild; 
There, where a few torn shrubs the place disclose, 
The village preacher's modest mansion rose. 
A man he was to all the country dear. 
And passing rich with forty pounds a year. 
Remote from towns he ran his godly race. 
Nor e'er had changed, nor wished to change his place; 
Unskillful he to fawn, or seek for power 
By doctrines fashioned to the varying hour; 
Far other aims his heart had learned to prize. 
More bent to raise the wretched, than to rise. 

' At church, with meek and unaffected grace, 
His looks adorned the venerable place; 



40 

Truth from his lips prevailed with double sway. 

And fools who came to scoflf, remained to pray. 

The service past, around the pious man, 

With ready zeal, each honest rustic ran; 

E'en children followed with endearing wile, 

And plucked his gown, to .share the good man's smile. 

His ready smile a parent's warmth expressed ; 

Tiieir welfare pleased him, and their cares distressed. 

To them his heart, his love, his griefs were given, 

But all bis serious thoughts had rest in heaven : 

As some tall cliff that lifts its awful form. 

Swells from the vale, and midway leaves the storm, 

Though round its breast the rolling clouds are spread, 

Eternal sunshine settles on its head." 

On Mr. Ilallock's tombstone is inscribed the following 

epitaph : 

" The grave's the pulpit of departed man, 
From it he speaks; 
His text and doctrine are 
Thou, too, must die and come to judgment. 

"He shone with distinguished piety, humility, and heavenly wisdom. 
Sound in doctrine, faithful and unwearied in the service of his Lord, 
and deeply solicitous for the salvation of precious souls, and the 
immortal interests of his people. He made full proof of his ministry, 

" May his mantle fall upon his successor." 

Mrs. Ilallock died Nov. 3, 1826, aged sixty-three. Her 
epitaph shows the people's estimate of her : 

"As a parent she was affectionate and faithful; as a Christian, exemplary 
and watchful, and as a companion of a devoted minister of Christ, 
" She doubled his joys, and half sustained his cares." 
" Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord." 

AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF REV. JAIRUS BURT. 

I was born in Southampton, Mass., the sixteenth day of 
March, 1795. My father's name was Samuel Burt, whose 
father's name was Samuel, the son of David, the son of 
Henry, the son of David, who was one of the settlers of 
Northampton. He was the son of Henry Burt, who removed 
from Roxbury to Springfield soon after the settlement of that 
place. My mother's name was Charity Pomeroy, daughter 
of Captain Abner Pomeroy of Southampton. My grand- 



41 

father was one of tlie first settlers of Southampton, and was, 
as I have been tokl, a man of some consideration in public 
afltairs. My parents had eleven children, six sons and five 
daughters. I was the fifth son and ninth child. 

Among- my earliest recollections was the burning of my 
father's house, when I was two j^ears, two months old. I 
remember little more than the fact that the younger children 
were sent to the barn under the care of some of the elder, and 
seeing the men come to the barn-well for water. I saw them 
lift off the curb and dip the water from the top, it being full 
to the brim. I have no recollection of any feeling of sadness 
or regret. My ^news of the whole scene were those of a 
child, doubtless, with little or nothing of practical result. 

In early childhood my mind was occupied more or less 
with the question of personal religion ; but my seriousness, a 
temporary hope cherished for a time, was like the morning 
cloud and early dew that pass away. 

In the autumn of 1808, when I was thirteen years old, I 
had a very severe attack of inflammatorj^ rheumatism, which 
confined me through the subsequent winter, and brought me 
to the very door of death, in the view of my friends. My 
recovery was very gradual, and my sj^stem left in a state pre- 
disposing to rheumatic attacks. 

During this early period my life was marked only by the 
common incidents of boys on a father's farm in an out-section 
of the town. 

The ninth of July, 1816, I was married to Electa Carpen- 
ter, daughter of Israel Carpenter of Norwich, Mass. She 
was a native of Coventry, Conn. We lived together till 
March, 1818, in wdiich month I buried her and her infant 
son of twelve weeks, born January 20, 1818. She died the 
fourth day of March, and our son, Joseph Carpenter Burt, on 
the twenty -seventh. 

During the summer of 1815, the year before my marriage, 
my mind was for months occupied with the fact of my lost 
condition as a sinner, and the necessity of my becoming 
a new creature in Christ Jesus. The result was a hope of 

6 



42 

salvation througli the l)lood of Clirist, wliicli was shed for 
reniissioii of sins. Tliis cliange of views and feeling on the 
subject of i-eligion took ]>lac'e in the latter part of the autumn 
of that year. She who was to be the wife of my youth was 
converted to Christ, as she hoped, the winter following; 
and we made public profession of our faith in Christ, and 
united in covenant with the Congregational Church in my 
native place, then under the care of Eev. Vinson Gould, the 
first Sabbath in May, 1816, 

-My state of health became so impaired in the spring and 
summer of 1818 that I was unable to labor on the farm with 
profit; and with advice I M-ent, in July, to spend some time 
with my brother, Rev, Sylvester Burt of Kew Marlborough, 
Mass., to qualify myself for the business of school-teaching, 
and meanwhile to raise, if possible, a better tone of health in 
my system. The result was my commencement and prosecu- 
tion of a course of study with a view to the preaching of the 
Gospel. I })ursued my preparatory studies with my brother, 
and entered Williams College at the Connnencement in 1820, 
a freshman. About the middle of the next sunnner I left 
college and entered the Collegiate Institution in Amherst at 
its opening the following autumn. There I continued my 
course of study until I had completed the prescribed four 
3'ears, and graduated at the commencement in 1824. In the 
autumn of that year I entered Auburn Theological Seminary 
in the State of New York, where I engaged in the course ot 
theological study, and continued there till January, 1826. 

From Auburn I returned to Great Barrington, Mass., and 
pursued my studies there till I was licensed to preach the 
Gospel by the North Association of Litchfield County, Conn., 
on the first day of June, 1826, at the house of Rev, Timothy 
Stone in South Cornwall. The licensure was in the following 
form : 

" At a meeting of the North Association of Litchfield 
County, on the first day of June, at the house of Rev, Timo- 
thy Stt)ne in South Cornwall, Mr. Jairus Burt of Southampton, 
Mass., was introduced to us to be recommended to the 



43 



cliurclies as a candidate for tlie Gospel ministry. After a full 
examination as to liis actual and experimental knowledge ot 
the trutlis and duties of Christianity, his aptness to teach, his 
views of entering the ministry, and his general qualifications, 
we do hereby approve and recommend him to the churches 
for the term" of four years, according to the rules of this 

° •^* "Sio-ned L. P. Rickok, Scribe. 

I returned to my brother's in Great Barrington, and 
preached for him the next Sabbath, the Sabbath following in 
South New Marlborough, and the second of July commenced 
preaching on eni^ftgenient in Coleraine, Mass., where I sup- 
plied ten Sabbaths^ During that time I received an invita- 
tion from the committee of the Congregational Society m 
Canton, Conn., to preach, with a view to settlement in the 
work of the ministry, should that appear to be the will of 
God I accepted the invitation, and preached my iirst ser- 
mon in Canton, September 17, 1826. My texts on that Sab- 
bath were, Gal. i, 9; Ps. cxxxvii, 1. Subjects, -The Curse 
of Preaching a False Gospel," and "Weeping Over the Deso- 
lation of Zion." The impression was apparently good, and at 
their request I consented to preach and visit, as I could, till 
their annual society's meeting, which would be held the last 

of October. . r^ i j 

At the annual meeting, the last Monday in October, 1 
received in form an invitation from the society, through their 
committee, to settle with them in the work of the ministry, 
stipulating to pay me an annual salary of $500. A unani- 
mous in viUition from the church preceded this call from the 
society The call of the society also purported to be unani- 
mous, eighty-eight members being present. In due consider- 
ation of the proposal in the circumstances, I was constrained 
to listen to it as a call of God to this field of labor. I signi- 
fied my acceptance of their invitation, accordingly, and was 
ordained to the work of the Gospel, by arrangement, the twen- 
tieth of December, 1826, by the North Consociation ot Litch- 
field Countv, with which this church was then connected. 



44 

Rev. James Beach of Winsted, presided on tlie occasion. 
Rev. Frederick Marsli of Winchester offered the introductory 
prayer. My eldest brother, Rev. Sylvester Enrt of Great 
Barrington, Mass., preached from II Cor. v, 20; the ordaining 
prayer was by Mr, Beach; charge to the pastor by Rev. 
Ralph Emerson of Norfolk; right hand of fellowship by Rev, 
Erastus Clapp of Burlington ; the concluding prayer by Rev, 
Leonard E. Lathrop of Salisbury. My relations to the church 
and peo])le as their pastor and minister being thus consum- 
mated according to Congregational usage, I preached the 
followino- Sabbath in the morniuir on the i)osition and duties 
of a watchman, from Ezek. iii, 17, and in the afternoon from 
Romams xiv, 19, on following after the things that make for 
peace. January 24, 1827, I was married to Miss Betsey C, 
Ward of New Marlborough, Mass., and was thus again set- 
tled in family state. We commenced house-keeping immedi- 
ately, my youngest sister, Persis, living with us for a time. I 
was now established in my parish and in my faniily, under 
the responsibility of the pastorate and the household. The 
people were kind, and liberal in their expressions of respect 
and regard, and everything seemed to promise a happy and 
useful ministiy. But it was soon manifest that sin had its 
strongholds in Canton, as well as elsewhere; and that the 
ministry which would be faithful must not shun to grapple 
with evil habits and custonjs, however hoary or strongly 
intrenched. 

On the fourth of February, 1827, I preached two sermons 
against intemperance from the text, " Strong drink is raging, 
and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise," Prov, xx, 1, 
After an introduction showini):: the nature of intoxicating 
drinks as a raging element I went on to show — 

I. When men are deceived by them : 

1. When they think them necessary as drinks. ' 

2. When they think the stimulation of them will help 
them to accomplish more business. 

3. When they think there is no danger in their use, 

4. When they think them conducive to the prevention of 
evil effects from cold and heat. 



45 

5. Wlien they are deemed necessary fur the poh'te enter- 
tainment of company. 

6. When they drink more than is for tlieir health and 
usefnhiess. 

II. That it is unwise to be thus deceived by them, because : 

1. The use is a waste of property. 

2. The use is a waste of health. 

3. Tiie use is a waste of reputation, and jeopardy of the 
sonh 

4. The use is productive of great wretchedness in others. 
The two sermons were then closed with an appeal on the 

question, " What can be done to check this spreading evil ?" 
It was said, " Look at the savage monster lurking about from 
place to place, hunting for the body and the soul. I wish the 
attention of every man, woman, and child could be arrested that 
they could all have a full view of the tremendous evil." " Did 
you believe a beast of prey prowling about your folds, how 
you would fortify every j)oint, that your flock might be safe." 

" Were the Indian of the forest lurking about your dwell- 
ing in thirst for your blood and the blood of your children, 
would you feel secure? Would you open your doors and 
invite him in ? Here is an enemy not less dangerous, one 
who has destroyed more lives than all the American Indians. 
Deal with him then, as with a savage foe ; fortify every place 
exposed ; keep out your guard ; let the alarm be given, and 
when given, taken." " This enemy is making families 
wretched ; he is warring on the authority of God, and the 
peace and well-being of man. Nor does he spare the church, 
her sacred enclosures are entered. Can nothing be done? 
Place on your banners entire abstinence, and something will be 
done." 

The following Sabbath I preached a sermon (February 11) 
on the text Hab. ii, 15. This was designed to hit the case of 
manufacturers and venders. The plan of this sermon was 
to — 

I. Notice some prevalent practices in the community. 
II. Show that these practices are needless. 

III. Consider the evils resulting from them. 



46 

Tims my position was early and clearly defined on the 
nature and use of alcoholic liquors, particularly in their spirit- 
uous form as distilled. The wakino- to the evils of fer- 
mented li([Uors as equal to those of distilled, and as alike to 
be abandoned, was reserved to an after day in the progress of 
temperance knowledge. 

1827. Just at this time were manifested in the congrega- 
tion and community the tokens of God's presence in the person 
of the Holy Spirit. The assemblies for religions worship 
were filled, the attention to the truth increased till in the fol- 
lowing spring and summer we were in the midst of a powerful 
work of grace. Believers were revived and quickened, and 
sinners in great numbers converted to God. 

September 2, 1827, eighty-eight w^ere received into the 
church on profession of their faith, and in October and Novem- 
ber twenty others, making in all one hundred and eight, and 
in the following year eleven on profession, making one hun- 
dred and nineteen, which may be considered the fruit of that 
season of refreshing. 

Among the earlj" developuients adverse to the success of 
the ministry was not oidy the use of intoxicating drinks; 
but also the institution of Fi'eemasom-y, which became more 
openly hostile to gospel truth in consequence of its exposure 
by AVilliam Morgan of Western New York, who published 
his book on Masonry in the latter part of 1826. Its extra- 
judicial and wicked oaths as exposed by Morgan and corrobo- 
rated by other Masons, who renounced their connection with 
the order and took grounds in opposition to the system, 
aroused extensive opposition to an institution based on such 
obligations of secrecy. In this state of things the preaching 
of the Gospel in its principles and spirit was charged as anti- 
Masonic. So a disposition was manifested by those in sym- 
pathy with the order to make an impression by formally 
withdrawing from the Ecclesiastical Society by lodging their 
certificate with the clerk of the society. Two per week were 
thus to withdraw, it w^as said, till some fifteen or twenty or 
more had left. The certificating commenced and proceeded 
till four individuals had left on two succeedino; weeks. Here 



47 

it stopped. But the excitement was liigli and jn-otracted, 
seeming for a time to threaten ruin to everytliinir valnahle and 
sacred. But the Lord deHvered us from the rage of the peo])le, 
though not from the evil woi'king of this secret association. 
Not having been initiated into the secrecies of the Order, I 
coukl only say what I did say and defend, " that if the Masonic 
oaths were as represented in Morgan's l)Ook, they were wrong, 
wicked in the extreme, and deserved the reprobation of every 
lover of God and man." This was my doctrine on the sub- 
ject of Freemasonry, nor have I yet seen cause to renounce it 
as an error. I viewed it then as I now do that that, and the 
whole family of secret associations, was wrong, and a danger- 
ous element in civil and Christian society. 

On the fifteenth of June, 1829, we had a son born whom 
we dedicated to God in baptism, naming him Jairus Ward. 
A new relation to us clustering about itself untold interests 
and responsibilities. " The future all to us unknown." 

In the autumn of 1831 w^ere held in this as in many other 
places protracted religious exercises from day to day, which 
were attended and follow^ed by the special influences of the 
Holy Spirit. In the following year, 1832, twenty-six were 
added to the church on profession of their faith in Christ. 

The year 1834 was marked by special religious interest to 
a limited extent, adding to the church seven young persons. 

In August, 1835, I was laid by with a slow bilious fever, in 
wdiich my system was greatly damaged. Through the month 
of August I did not preach ; but resumed my lab(»rs in Sep- 
tember, and was enabled to preach on the Sabbath, though 
with great difficulty, till the latter part of December, when a 
violent cold brought on a severe attack of acute bronchitis, 
and laid me by from preaching for three months. My recov- 
ery from this attack was exceedingly gradual, so much so 
that at times I thought my work in the ministry was nearly 
closed. 

In the years 1837 and 1841 there were some pleasant mani- 
festations of the Holy Spirit, wliich added a few individuals 
to the church. 

About the year 1833 dates the waking of new and deter- 



48 

miiiecl interest in tlie country on tlie institution of American 
Slavery. The nieeting of a convention in Philadelphia, in 
Decenil)er, 1838, and the ort^anization then of the American 
anti-slaver}^ society, under God, set in motion a current of 
events the end of which is not yet. My own mind was turned 
to the subject, and my inquiries soon satistied me that a great 
question was to be met and religiousl}' answered. My con- 
victions became deej) that the watchmen on the walls of Zion 
had a duty to perform. Nov. 20, 1836, I preached two ser- 
mons on the subject. One from Isa. xxi, 12, "On the duty 
of investigating important subjects"; and one from Heb. xiii, 
3, " On remembering those in bonds as bound with them." 
The following Sabbath I preaclied another sermon on " Scrip- 
tural servitude." In these sermons I fully committed myself 
as a Christian and a Christian minister to the cause of human 
freedom against the institution of slavery. I followed up 
this beginning as I was al)le, and felt it to be my duty, occa- 
sionally addressing assemblies in this and other places on the 
subject (with the tavor of some and the frowns of others). 

[Inserted by the Compilers.] 

[At one period in this struggle there were more who 
frowned than favored. At the sale of the seats in church in 
1844 over forty who had been accustomed to take seats re- 
fused to do so. Deacon W. C. Iium])hrey took most of these 
seats in his own name; but was relieved of them before the 
end of the year by those who ought to have taken them. 

In November, 1844, three persons in Canton Center, Rev. 
Jairus Burt, Calvin Case, Sr., and Deacon W. C. Humphrey, 
voted for James G. Burney, the abolition candidate. 

Many interesting anecdotes are related of Mr. Burt's firm 
stand for anti-slavery. One, which I recall, is often told by 
older people. AVhen the discussion ^vas hottest, meeting after 
meeting was held by the people to compel Mr. Burt to resign 
or modify his opinions in some slight degree; but he stood 
firm, though well nigh alone. After one of these meetings, 
a gentleman said : " Mr. Burt is like his own son Jairus; j'ou 
can't make him pick up the last chip.'''' AVhen Jairus was a 



49 

very small boy he brought in a basket of chips and threw 
them on the floor. His father's command to pick them up 
was obeyed until he came to the last one, and alternate prayers 
and whippings, with difficulty, induced him to complete the 

task. 

Durino- the- progress of a similar meeting some members 
of the society requested Mr. Burt to stop praying publicly 
for the slaves. Mr. Burt reidied : "I cannot promise to do 
that, for the time may come when you will want me to pray 
for them."] 

The strugo-le was hard and protracted. A new element 
was working in the-public heart, and as always has been true 
since man's fall, the right and the wrong had respectively 
their advocates and opposers. The opposition affected to 
despise the anti-slavery movement at the first as a bubble that 
would break and pass away; then they undertook to stop dis- 
cussion, and thus prevent agitation. Meanwhile the friends 
of freedom were everywhere spoken against. But the work 
of inquiry went on, and the true anti-slavery cause has ad- 
vanced steadily from that day to this. Gag laws and rules 
have even seemed to awaken the people more and more, till 
it begins to be felt that the people are the masters and not 
the slaves of the unscrupulous politicians. 

November, 1854, the discussion is everywhere, in Congress 

and without. ^ 

There was a season of precious religious interest, among the 
youth especially, in the spring of 1847, after a long winter of 
anxiety and labor, with little sympathy and aid from the 
members of the church. The harvest, if not large, was rich 
in its character. In 1850 there was special interest again, 
and a few were added to the church. Thus God has not lelt 
us to utter despair. On the contrary, He has shown His 
readiness to bless His church and people when they would 
seek Him, according to His word. 

The year 1853 we were called to drink most deeply of the 
cupof affliction, in the death of our dearly-beloved son and 
only child. He died in Suffield, Conn., at the home ot his 

7 



50 

friends and ours, Eev. Daniel Hemenway, of typhoid fever, 
after a continement to liis bed of only about one week, Octo- 
ber 8tb. His remains were brought to Canton the Monday 
following-, the 10th, where an appropriate sermon was preached 
by Rev. Cyrus Yale of New Hartford, and his body commit- 
ted to tlie dust, the home appointed for all living. But for 
the sustaininjr grace of God in this bereavement we must 
have been crushed. [Mr. Burt was wont to say, " It comes 
over me like an avalanche."] O what debtors to that promise 
and its fulfilhnent, " My grace shall be sufficient for thee I " 
He died a quarter past ten Saturday morning, and we returned 
lonely and sad to our desolated home to await the arrival of 
the precious dust, and be i-eady for the funeral services on 
the following Monday. I was enabled to appear before the 
people in my usual place on the Sabbath, and to preach both 
morning and afternoon. I preached in the morning from 
Ps. xcix, 1, "On the reign of God"; and in the afternoon 
frou) Job ii, 10, •' On adversity from the hand of God." Our 
people were exceedingly kind and sympathetic in the expres- 
sion of their feelings and their sorrow with us. Smitten, may 
it be for our profit. 

185-4. The last of June, though feeble from the effects of 
a severe cold and consequent fever, I fulfilled an appointment 
of the general association of Connecticut to represent that 
body in the general conference of Maine, which met in Ban- 
gor, June 27th. Returning, spent the fourth of July in 
Boston, and the fifth reached home, decidedly improved in 
health and spirits. 

The year ISS-l was distinguished by a new political organ- 
ization (secret), put forth to work in sustaining the slavery 
and rum interests, and which at the town elections in Octo- 
ber had the control of this town completely. Another secret 
society. 

1855. March 10. I am this day three score years old. 
Onward, onward I go. May it be in the right way till death. 
All of mortal life before me is but a brief moment. May it 
be toward the land of the blessed. 

1856. January G. Sabbath. The ordinary worship in 



61 

the house of God was prevented by a drifting snow-storm the 
last evening and tliis morning. Expounded Matt, xiii, 3-9, 
and had a season of prayer. Communion deferred, and 
public services in the afternoon omitted. 

January 13. Great storm last night, which continues this 
morning, snow and wind filling up the roads to impassable- 
uess. Prospect, we shall have no public meeting to-day. 
This Sabbath has been such a day as no other in the last 
twenty-nine years. The state of the road^ and the continu- 
ous storm were such that the house of God was opened 
neither morning nor afternoon. The Communion service 
for January still postponed, of course. In my family, at 
half-past ten o'clock, we sang a hymn, prayed, and read an 
exercise in " Primitive Piety Kevived, or Christian Self- 
Denial as a Present Want in the Churches." 

•Febrnary 2. N. P. Banks of Massachusetts, was chosen 
Speaker of the House of Representatives in the American 
Congress after a two-montlis' contest with the supporters of 
slavery in the embodiments of the Pierce Democracy and 
American Know-Nothingism. The vote stood : 

Banks, 103. 

Aiken, South Carolina, - - - 100. 
Scattering, - - - - - 10 or 11 

The election, by agreement, was under a plurality vote. 
May it be a true index of freedom's triumj)h, and a beginning 
of return to the early legislation in this country. 

February 6, Just tinislied reading "Primitive Piety 
Revived." Trul}' a book for the times. 

August. The session of Cougress closing in August has 
been one of the most intensely exciting and important in our 
national history. The election of speaker, of a committee to 
investigate frauds in Kansas elections, disagreements of the 
two houses, violence of Brooks on Senator Sumner, and other 
things, are waymarks to the observer. 

August 24. In the afternoon preached on public affairs, 
their signs and our duties, from Matt, xvi, 3. James 
Buchanan of Pennsylvania, being the candidate for slavery 



62 

extension, John C. Fremont the candidate for slavery restric- 
tion. The issue, shivery or freedom; the battle-ground, 
Kansas, 

October 29. Met at Unionville in council called for the 
purpose, and dismissed from the ])astoral charge Rev. 
G. M. Porter. 

Nov. 4. Presidential election. The whole number of 
votes cast in Canton, 469. 

Fremont, republican, - - - - 268 
Buchanan, democrat, - - - - 196 
Fillmore, ------ 5 

Fremont over Buchanan, 71 ; over all, 67. Thank God 
and take courage. 

[On Mr. Burt's monument is carved a mantle in pursuance 
of the epitaph on Mr. Hallock's monument. His own epitaph 
is simply, " Faithful unto death."] 

Rev. Warren C. Fiske, 

Mr. Fiske was born in Wales, Mass., formerly a part of 
Brimfield, September 21, 1816. He was converted when a 
child of twelve years. He fitted for college at Monson 
Academy, Massachusetts, graduated from Amherst in 1840; 
taught school two years at Salem, !N. J. ; graduated from the 
Theological Institute of Connecticut, 1845 ; ordained at East 
Haddam, Conn., May 19, 1847; was a home missionary in 
AVisconsin three years, under the Connecticut Missionary 
Society. His wife's health failing, he returned to the East, 
and was installed pastor of the Congregational Church in 
Marlboro, Conn., where he remained seven years. Then 
followed his pastorate in Canton, at the close of which he 
removed to East Haddam to care for his wife's aged parents, 
and from thence to Colchester, Conn., to educate his chil- 
dren. He taught for a time in Bacon Academy. While 
there he had a fit of sickness, from which he has never fully 
recovered. 

His health improving somewdiat, he again preached, first 
at Barkhamsted, Conn., nine months; and afterwards at 
Wolcott, Conn., for three j^eai's. Finding parochial cares too 



53 

mncli for liis strengtli, he retired to private life, and l)oiii,dit 
a small farm in Charlton, Mass., wiiere he lived quietly and 
comfortably for twelve years. Being unable to superintend his 
farm any longer, or even to do anything, he sold and moved 
to Southington, Conn., in order to be near his oldest son, a 
practicing physician in that place. He still resides in South- 
ington, a confirmed invalid, confined mostly to his house. 

He married. May 10, 184:7, Miss Harriett M. Parsons of 
East Haddani, Conn., a daughter of Rev. Isaac Parsons. 
They have three children — two sons and one daughter. 

AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF REV. 
CHARLES N. LYMAN. 

I was born at Hartford, Conn., May 11, 1835. My parents' 
names were Diodate Brock way, and Eliza Tribert Lyman. 
When I was about three years old, my parents moved to the 
old homestead in Manchester, Conn., wdiere the days of my 
childhood and yonth, till I was about seventeen years of age, 
were spent. My experience was that of tlie ordinary farmer's 
boy of that time, accustomed to regular work in cooperation 
with other members of the family for the common good. 
The generally prevailing influences of the home were Chris- 
tian. My grand parents, both of whom lived to a ripe old 
age, were in the line of descent from Plymouth Rock, and 
maintained family worship till my own parents were prepared 
to take np that dnty. 

During my seventeenth year, the Congregational church of 
Manchester Center, Conn., with which our family regularly 
worshipped, was blessed with a revival of religion, the in- 
fluence of which was felt throughout the whole township, and 
wliich resulted in many conversions to Christ. Among those 
converts, both of my parents, a brother and sister, and myself 
were included. For several years before that time my 
thoughts had been directed frequently toward the Christian 
ministry as a most desirable M'ork in which to engage. After 
my conversion, the conviction that it was my duty to prepare 
myself for that work was deeply impressed upon my mind. 



54 

and, liaviiio- made known my feelings to my jiastor, Rev. 
F. T. Perkins, 1 was enconraged to nndertake the work of 
preparation. Under his direction, with tlie consent of my 
parents, I began tlie study of Latin, and, in the autumn of 
1852, entered the academy at INTonson, Mass., wliere I 
reuiained two years, entering Yale College in September, 
1854. After remaining in college two years, chiefly for 
})ecuniary reasons, I obtained leave of absence for one year, 
returning to college September, 1857, and graduating in 1859, 

The close of my college course, in spite of aid furnished by 
kind friends, and such sums of money as I was able to earn, 
found a considerable indebtedness resting on me which pre- 
vented my entering upon theological studies at once. After 
graduating at college, for three months I taught the Classics 
and Mathematics in a boys' boarding school, at Ellington, 
Conn. 

The winter of 1859 and 1860 was spent at home, in a sys- 
tematic course of reading in Theology. In the spring of 
1800, I entered Yale Theological Seminary, remaining there 
till Fel)ruary, 1862, at which time, having been, the summer 
previous, licensed to preach by the New Haven Central Asso- 
ciation of Congregational Ministers, I went to supply the 
church at Canton Center, in place of a classmate by the name 
of Dutton, then somewhat ill, and since then gone to his 
reward. 

It was a wintry evening when, astranger in a strange place, 
I stepped npon the platform at the railroad depot at Collins- 
ville. The first salutation I heard came from an elderly man, 
Avho wished to know if I were " New Haven Theology." 
U])on being assured that I was a small part of it, he replied 
that I was the " very man he wished to see." I was soon 
seated in a sleigh with " Uncle Simeon Mills," who, with his 
dun-colored horse, whose neck was adorned with a " string " 
of musical bells, gave me an interesting sleigh-ride, while he 
related to me many things concerning the History of Cherry 
Brook, Father Hallock, and the kind of Theology he used to 
hear preached in his youth, which he still believed, includ- 
ing "the lost condition of non-elect infants.' " 



55 

My first night in Canton was spent beneath tlie liospitable 
roof of Esqnire Hallock, whose stately dignity greatly im- 
pressed me, and in whose devoted Chi-istian wife I became 
deeply interested. I learned shoitly to esteem highly her 
constant prayer for her pastor. 

That first Sunday in that high mahogany ])ulpit was a trial 
indeed to the yonng preacher, if not to the assembled 
congregation. 

Mncii to my sui-prise, on the evening of that day, a commit- 
tee waited on nie, and asked that I supply them for six weeks, 
with a possibility of a six-months' engagement if all should go 
well. Acting upon the advice of trusted friends, among 
whom was Professor, afterward President, Porter of Yale 
College, though my Theological studies were incomplete, I 
accepted the invitation, entered upon the work with much 
self-distrust, continued with the people six months, and was 
ordained and installed pastor, October, 1862, Prof. George P. 
Fisher of Yale Theological Seminary preaching the sermon. 

The work thus begun was attended by peculiar difficulties 
owing to most unfortunate divisions among the members of 
the church and congregation. Also, the country was in the 
midst of the excitements attending the progress of the great 
Civil War. But by the good favor of God, divisions were 
healed, harmony promoted, and revival influences felt. The 
history of those first months can be, at least, partly learned 
from the church records. 

In October, 1863, I was married to Miss Eveline Upson, 
daughter of Kussell and Emeline Tuttle Upson of New 
Haven, Conn. 

In September, 1864, in obedience to what seemed the call 
of duty, my pastorate was resigned that I might enlist into the 
Union army. The people refused to accept the resignation 
but voted a leave of absence for one year. Immediately I 
enlisted as private in the Thirteenth Regiment, Connecticut 
Yolunteer Infantry, and was sent to the post at Fair Haven, 
Conn., where I was detailed to do chaplain duty, till a few 
weeks later, an unsolicited commission as chaplain of the 
Twentieth Connecticut Yolunteer Infantry, was sent me. 



56 

with orders to report at once for diit}' at Atlanta, Ga., where 
the rei;inient was then to be fonnd. Soon as needed arrange- 
ments could made, I started for my destination, but was 
detained on duty for a while at Chattanooga, Tenn., and after- 
wards at Nashville, where I was a witness ofthe battle which 
resulted in the disastrous defeat of Gen. Hood. After doing 
duty for a short time longer in Northern Alabama, and again 
at Chatanooga, permission was given to join my regiment, 
then at Savannah, Ga., to whicli place I at once proceeded, 
marching with Gen. Sherman's army across the Carolinas, 
participating in the battles of Averysburg and Bentonville, 
N. C. Was at Raleigh, N. C, at the time of Mr. Lincoln's 
assassination and the surrender of Gen. Johnston's army ; 
marched with the Union army to Washington, via Richmond 
and the historic battle-fields of Virginia; was present at the 
irrand review at Washiuii'ton ; was mustered out of the mili- 
tary service in Jnly, 1865, and soon took up the work anew 
at Canton Center. The history of my remaining pastorate 
can be learned from the church records, and from many per- 
sons who were then actively engaged in the work of Christ, 
and who still live to honor His cause. 

October 1, lSo8, with mutual regrets, the pastoral relation 
with the church was dissolved that I might engage in Home 
Missionary work in Western Iowa. Immediately after my 
dismissal I came to Dunlap, Iowa, where I remained till 
January 1, 1871, since which time I have been laboring at 
Onawa, Monona County, Iowa, and the country about. 
During six years of this time I was co-superintendent of 
])ul)lic schools. I have been identified, to considerable extent, 
with the Home Missionary work of this part of Iowa, but of 
m}' work others may more properly write. 

I prefer not to write of interesting incidents connected 
with my work at Canton Center, for it cannot be done with- 
out a seeming egotism. It was a pleasant pastorate. The 
friendships of those days were exceedingly precious and are 
still cherished fondly. The people were kind and considerate 
in their treatment of me, unusually patient under my iniper- 
fect ministrations and mistakes. While I write my heart 



\ 



67 

goes out in strong and warm affection for them. The people — 
all of them — we esteemed as personal friends, and as we were 
called to bury them — a long list — including such persons 
as Esquire Hallock and his wife, Henrj' Barber and wife, 
Deacon Ilosford, and Deacon Foote, and Ephraim Mills, and 
Simeon Mills, and Selden White, and Orange Case, and Dr. 
Griswold, and man)^ more, old and young, it seemed as though 
I was saying words over the graves of members of my own 
household. 

C. N. Lyman. 
Onawa, Iowa, September 14, 1886. 

Rev. David B. Hubbakd. 

He was born in Higganum, Conn., April 30, 1847. His 
parents were Christians, and dedicated him to God in infancy 
by baptism, giving him the name of David Brainerd. His 
mother was a Brainerd, daughter of Capt. Daniel Brainerd 
of Higganum, Conn., and most directly connected with the 
missionary, Rev. David Brainerd. Consequently, she named 
her onlj^ son after him. She died when her child was only 
two and one-half years old. 

After attending a common school for a time, Mr. Hubbard 
went to Meriden Academy, and afterward to Wilbraham 
Academy, Mass. Subsequently he was under private in- 
struction for a year in Middletown, and then studied one 
year in Wesley an University. He then entered Hartford 
Theological Seminary, and graduated June, 1872. 

He describes his religious experience as follows: — 

" I know in whom I have believed since the Fall of 1866, 
when at school in Wilbraham. I do not remember the time 
when I did not have profound respect for the religion of 
Christ; but there was no fixed purpose on my part to lead a 
Christian life until the time I mention. Since then it has 
been religion from principle rather than feeling. I have not 
been one of those joyful creatures many seem to b^; but I 
have always felt that it was the Lord's business to give the 
feeling, and mine to strive to know and do His will. I feel 



68 

like making the words of the Psahiiist with regard to Israel 
personal in their a])])licati()n : ' Many a time have they 
attiicted me from my youth, may Israel now say; many a 
time have they atfticted me from my youth ; yet they have 
not prevailed against me.' Also his words of hope in prayer. 
' I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in His word do 
I hope.' " 

If During his senior year in the Seminary he supplied the 
Congregational pulpit in Stafford ville, and remained with 
them after graduation till the Fall of 1873, when he received 
a call to become pastor of the church in Canton Center, hav- 
ing supplied the })ul})it there two Sabbaths. This he declined 
because of insufficient acquaintance with the people. As 
their request was repeated, he finally consented to become 
acting pastor for one year, with a view to settlement. In 
January, 1874, he moved into the house now occupied by 
Mrs. Shepard, and began to supply the pulpit February 1st. 
"When the repairs on the church edifice were finished, the 
church and society unanimously called him to settle as pastor, 
giving him a salary of $1,300, and re-dedication and installa- 
tion services were held respectively in the morning and after- 
noon of November 19, 1874. 

A few days before these services he moved, with his family, 
into the house left to the society by Mrs. Linda liosford. 
This had been the home of three preceding pastors, Mr. Hal- 
lock, Mr. Burt, and Mr. Fiske. Now for the first time it 
came into the hands of the society as a j^arsonage. 

At the funeral of a young wife, in the summer of 1875, 
Mr. Hubbard addressed the husband : " For you, my dear 
brother, I have heartfelt sympathy as I see you thus sorely 
bereaved, yet I know liUle of your sorrow." Less than a year 
later God taught him much of that very sorrow. His family 
consisted, at this time, of a wife and three girls, one four 
years, another two years, and a third three days old. Scarlet 
fever, in its worst possible form, seized the mother and two 
older children. The eldest, Emma Brainerd, went into con- 
vulsions, from which she never recovered consciousness, and 
died March 6, 187G. She was buried in Higganum, Conn. 



59 

In two weeks more her mother, Hattie E., was laid beside 
her. Oiiee more the grief-stricken fotlier hurried home to 
await, as lie expected, the death of another child. But God 
was kind, and after weeks of anxiety and care she crept back 
to health, and still lives. 

Mr. Hubbard's family was now broken up. He boarded 
with Deacon W. C. Humphrey, and his two children were 
cared for in other places. 

When the new parsonag-e was completed, Mr. Hubbard 
moved into it, having married Alice R. Burr, a younger sister 
of his first wife. Their first child, Joseph B., died of cerebro- 
spinal meningitis, June 26, 1879, aged twenty months. Many 
otlier times have* sickness and suit'ering visited them. 
" Through all these seasons," Mr. Hubbard says, " the people 
of Canton Center aftbrded us sympathy and help which can 
never be forgotten." 

In N^ovember, 188Jr, Mr. Hubbard resigned his pastorate. 
The church refused to accept his resignation by a large ma- 
jority ; bat he insisted, and tlie matter was referred to a coun- 
cil, which dismissed him February 1, 1885. After some 
months he became acting pastor for the third church in Mid- 
dletown. Conn., where he is now laboring. 

During his eleven years' stay in Canton Center, seven of 
his discourses were published by request in pamphlet form. 
These are, dedicatory discourse, sermon after installation, 
four funeral discourses, and farewell discourse. 

While Mr. Hubbard was here he won the esteem of his 
parishioners, especially of the young, for whom he labored 
zealously. They did not fail, on their part, to show their 
appreciation of his interest, Mr, Hubbard's appropriate 
words of consolation when we laid in the grave our loved 
ones, will long be remembered by those of us who were be- 
reaved during his pastorate. 

A goodly number of additions were made to the church 
under his care; and there were more members on record wlien 
he left than when he came, although death and removal had 
made sad havoc in the ranks of the church. 



60 

THE SABBATH SCHOOL. 

The Sabbatli-school was organized in 1819, under the name 
of " A Sabbath-school Society." The Ecclesiastical Society 
was invited to co-operate. 

For the first twenty-one years no records were kept. In 
1840, when the records begin, the School was reorganized, 
and Lancel Foote chosen superintendent. He was also the 
first superintendent in 1819, but how long he held the office 
is not known. The other superintendents, in the order of 
their election and the length of time they served, are as 
follows : 

1841, Alanson Andrus ; 1842, Deacon Lancel Foote; 1843, 
Warren C, Humphrey; 1844, Deacon Uriah Hosford ; 1845, 
Averitt Wilcox ; 1846 and '47, Elijah Whiting; 1848, Alanson 
Andrus ; 1849 and '50, Ezekiel Hosford ; 1851 and '52, Frank- 
lin R. Perry ; 1853, William E, Brown ; 1854-'55-'56-'57- 
'58, Seymour D, Moses; 1859-'60-'61, John Brown; 1862- 
'63-'64, Edward P, Barbour ; 1865-'66-'67, Oliver H, Bid- 
well ; 1868-'69-'70, Gaylord Barbour; 1871-'72-'73-'74-'75- 
'76-'77, Oliver H. Bidwell ; 1878, Anson M, Case ; 1879-'80- 
'81-'82, Rev. D, B. Hubbard ; 1883-'84-'85-'86, Oliver H, 
Bidwell, 

Thus it appears that for sixtj'-seven years the Sabbath- 
school has been in operation, quietly j^et effectively doing its 
work, an invaluable helper of the family and the church in 
the religious training of the young. How much this school 
has done, through the fidelity of its officers and teachers, to 
lay the foundations of Christian character and useful lives 
will never be fully known in this world. It is coming more 
and more to be looked upon as one of the strong arms of the 
Church for the salvation of the young among us and every- 
where. The numbers in attendance have fiuctuated'with the 
tides of religious feeling in the community, sometimes rising 
above three hundred, and sometimes falling below two hun- 
dred. At the present time the School is vigorous and ener- 
getic in its work, and in connection with the recently formed 
Society of Chi'istian Endeavor is doing much for the moral 
and religious training of our young people. 



61 



SKETCHES OF THE DEACONS. 

Deacon Joseph Mills. — The first deacon of tl)is church. 
Says the Rev. Mr. Ilallock : " Deacon Mills was a pi-incij^al 
pillar in this chnrch and society for many years. He was 
sound in the doctrine of Christ and a bright example of Gos- 
pel practice. His fourteen children, ten sons and four daugh- 
ters, all lived to grow up and to' settle in the fau)ily State. 
Twelve became professors of religion, and five of the sons 
sustained the ofiice of deacon." Other deacons up to 1815, 
in the order of their election, were : Ephraim Wilcox, Oliver 
Humphrey, who served about twenty years, Abraham Case, 
Moses Case, Thomas Bid well. 

Of them Mr. Hallock says : " All these men were worthy 
ofiicers in the church, sound in the faith, and of good report; 
and we have no reason to doubt but that they are now resting 
from their labors with Jesus in glory." 

Deacon Benjamin Mills. — The son of Deacon Joseph Mills. 
He was poor in this world's goods, and a good example of 
the words of the Psalmist: "Mark the perfect man, and be- 
hold the upright, for the end of that man is peace." "He 
was captain during most of the Revolutionary war, but never 
received anything for his time and suffering in the American 
cause. The last years of his life he became quite deaf, and 
his tottering form was permitted to ascend the pulpit, always 
standing in prayer by the side of the venerable Hallock." 

Deacon Theophilus Humphrey. — An influential citizen, a 
man of great energy and activity, and of small stature. At 
the age of seventy-five years he could climb the hills and 
mountains of his neighborhood as actively as most young 
men. 

The oldest son of Deacon Theophilus was James, who was 
town clerk and justice of the peace for twenty-four years. 
He represented the town of Simsbury in the Legislature once 
and the town of Canton eight times. 

He was a fine singer, and devoted much of his time in 
the winter to the giving of instruction in vocal music. 

Deacon Solomon Everest. — He served the church as a deacon 
for twenty years. He was well read in theology, and adhered 



62 

firml)^ to the doctrines of the Bible as commonly held by 
Protestant churches. He was greatly esteemed as a man and 
as a Christian, 

Deacon Alvin Humphrey. — Son of Deacon Theophilns 
Iluinphrey. A man of eminent piety, and exerted a great 
influence in the town and church, lie tilled many places of 
trust and honor, Representative from Canton to the General 
Assembly, justice of the peace, and captain of the militia. 
Died February 26, 18-17, aged 77. lie lived a long distance 
from the church. The road was hilly and hard ; but his 
place in church and pra^'er-meeting was seldom vacant. 

Deacon Jesse Case. — Father of Newton Case, Es(|., of 
Hartford. He, too, lived a long distance from the church, in 
the northeast part of the town ; but was constant in his at- 
tendance upon public worship and social meetings. 

Deacon Uriah Hosford. — A man of devoted piety, and a 
great lover of the church of Christ. " He being dead yet 
speaketh." 

Deacon EUsha Sagden. — Served only a short time, re- 
moved to Hartford, and died there in ISiS. 

Deacon Lancel Foote. — Filled the oflice of deacon for more 
than twenty-five years. He held many town offices, judge of 
probate, assessor, selectman, town treasurer, town clerk, jus- 
tice of the peace. He represented the town in the State 
Legislature in 1833-4 ; was school visitor and examiner, and 
county surveyor, treasurer of the Everest Fund. He had the 
confidence of the public, and labored for the good of the 
community. 

Deacon Warren G. Humplirey. — ^ot at present in active 
service. The following is taken from the Humphrey Geneal- 
ogy. "Mr. Humphrey was one of the pioneers in the Anti- 
slavery movement, and was a member of the first Anti-slavery 
Convention held in Hartford in the winter of 1835 and '36, 
when the members were driven from the city hall and com- 
pelled to take private quarters. This was soon after the mur- 
der of Mr. E. P. Lovejoy in Alton, 111., whose brother addressed 
the convention. For several years Mr. Humphrey was the 
youngest man in Hartford County who was identified with 



63 

this cause, and was one of three who first voted the Anti- 
slavery ticket in Canton, lie was the last candidate of the 
Free-soil party for senator of the third district in Connecticut, 
before the organization of the Republican part}^ He has 
twice represented his town in the State Legislature, in 1859 
and 1872, and has held minor offices continuously ; was sev- 
eral years justice of the peace, until he declined the appoint- 
ment. Mr. Iluniphrey has been for many years a welhknown 
vocalist and music teacher ; has been a member of the Con- 
gregational Church in Canton Centre for forty-nine 3'ears ; a 
deacon in the church for twenty-five years; a member of the 
choir for sixty-two years, serving as chorister fort}' years, 
having been chosen* to that position at the age of eighteen. 
Though now advanced in life, he is a regular attendant upon 
church services, and deeply interested in all matters pertain- 
ing to the welfare of man and the interests of Christ's 
kingdom." 

Deacon Gideon Milo Case. — Grandson of Deacon Jesse 
Case. A man whose quiet, Christian character adorned his 
office. He went to California for his health, and died there 
February 10, 1875. 

Deacon William G. Uallock. — In April, 1871, Mr. Hallock 
ijWas elected deacon in place of Deacon Gideon M. Case, who 
had removed from town. He accejjted the office, but soon 
after resigned. 

Deacon Archibald L. Mdls. — Served acceptably and faith- 
fully until his term of office expired. 

Deacon Oliver H. Bidwell. — Has always been a liberal sup- 
porter of the church. For many years superintendent of the 
Sabbath-school, and still holds that position. Has done much 
to aid singing, both in the choir and among the children and 
youth. 

Deacon George W. Lamphier. — Moved from Goshen, Conn., 
to Canton about twenty years ago. Although a Baptist by 
education and preference, he at once identified liimself with 
the interests of the church, and in 1881 he, together with his 
wife, united with the church, and was soon after elected 
deacon. 



64 

Deacons Bidwell and Lainphier are tlie present acting dea- 
cons of the clinrcli. 



In 1857 Deacon Lancel Foote was chosen clerk of the 
church, and continued in that office until 1860, wlien William 
E. Brown was appointed in his place, and still (188G) holds 
the position. 

SKETCHES OF MINISTERS BORN IN CANTON. 

Rev. Reman Ilurrfplirey^ D.D. — The son of Solomon Tluni- 
]>hrey, was horn in 1779. His parents were of Puritan stock. 
His home was Christian. His mother was the daughter of 
Capt. John Brown, the grandfather of John Brown, the 
martj-r. While he was in prison, awaiting his execution. 
Dr. Heman Humphrey and his brother Luther addressed him 
letters of sympathy, to which he gave characteristic replies, 
which were lately published in the Humphrey genealogy. 

The boyhood of Heman was spent alternately on the farm 
and in the district school-house. During one summer he 
lived in the family of Gov. Treadwell of Farmington, Conn. 
At the age of sixteen he began to teach school. 

When he was twenty years old he frequently listened to 
the preaching of Dr. Griffin, then settled at New Hartford,, 
which so deeply impressed him as to mark what he believed 
to be the beginning of his Christian life. He soon felt an 
earnest desire to become a minister of the Gospel. He was 
encouraged by his pastor, and in 1803 entered the Junior 
class of Y ale College, and was graduated 1805. He imme- 
diately began the study of Theology with Kev. Asahel 
Hooker of Goshen, Conn. In 1806, he was licensed to 
preach by the Litchfield North Association. He preached 
his first sermon in Cornwall, Conn., and a few weeks after 
was invited to preach as a candidate in Fairfield, Conn., 
which resulted in his settlement as pastor of that church in 
1807. During the ten years of his pastorate in Fairfield, his 
labors were incessant and successful. In 1808, he married 
Sophia, daughter of Deacon Noah Porter of Farmington, sister 
of Dr. Noah Porter, pastor of the church in that place. 



65 



While in Fairfield the temperance movement began, and he 
assisted to organize wliat was called the " Connecticut Moral 
Society," the object of which was to promote good n)orals, 
the better observance of the Sabbath, and to check the evils 
of intemperance. He was one of the pioneers in the great 
movement. In 1811-12, he preached several sermons on the 
snbject, characterized by strong argnments, glowing appeals, 
and fervid eloquence. He was instrumental in the passage 
of a resolution by the Fairtield West Association, prohibiting 
the use of spirituous liquors by that body, and in securing the 
pledge of its members to discourage their use and sale. 

In 1817, he was settled in Pittslield, Mass. His labors 
here were attended with powerful revivals. He remained 
till 1823, when he became President of Amherst College. 
After filling this office with signal success for twenty-two 
years, he retired and removed to Pittsfield, where he spent 
the remainder of his life. He died April 3, 1861. 

His publications were many and varied ; his work strong 
and abiding. AVell may the town that gave birth to such a 
man cherish his memory with honest pride. 

Rev. Luther Humphrey. — Brother of Heman Humphrey, 
was born in 1783, died May, 1871. 

He was graduated at Middlebury College, Vt., in 1813, 
and ordained the following year as a missionary to Western 
Reserve, Ohio. He was installed in Burton, Ohio, and soon 
began housekeeping with his wife and younger sister. 
" They settled in a ' hired log-house; borrowed two chairs, 
made three stools, ate upon a chest, slept on the floor, and 
were truly happy.' " 

After laboring here thirteen years, he was called to a pas- 
torate in Connecticut, where he remained two years. Later 
he removed to Michigan, and resumed missionary work. He 
resided in Windham, Ohio, at the time of his death. " He 
was a glorious type of the American pioneer clergyman, and 
a noble example of Christian zeal, benevolence, and faith.'' 

Rev. Hector Humphreys, D.D. — Was, born June 8, 1797. 
He pursued the study of Latin in his native village, and com- 



9 



66 

pleted his preparatory course in Winsted and Westfield, He 
was o-raduated from Yale in 1818 with the liighest honors. 
While in college he united with the Congregational Chnrch 
under the charge of Dr. and President Timothy Dwight. 
After graduation he decided to hecome a lawyer. He studied 
for two years, and entered upon a promising practice. At 
this time his attention was turned to theological studies in 
connection with the Episcopacy. In 1824, he was confirmed 
in Trinity Church, Kew York, and admitted to the order of 
deacon. 

From 1825-31, he was a member of the Faculty of Trinity 
College, at Hartford, and also rector of a church in Glaston- 
bury. When scarcely thirty-four, he was chosen President of 
St. John's College, Annapolis, Md. " From that time until 
his death, January 25, 1857, in St. John's College, a period 
of twenty-six years, — his name and fame, his talents and 
energies, are identified with the history and progress of St. 
John's, and have worked out for him a monument more en- 
during than marble, more noble than 'sculptured urn, or 
animated bust.' " 

Through his influence and efibrts he built up the library, 
collected physical apparatus and a valuable cabinet, and 
created the laboratory. 

To his chair belonged Moral Science; but he taught many 
other studies, including some very remote, as animal and 
vegetable physiology. He gave instruction, also, at different 
times in nearly all the other branches taught in the college. 
In addition to this work he carefully prepared lectures in the 
studies belonging to him, and frequently preached in the 
neighboring Episcopal churches. 

Owing to his extreme self-renunciation, very few of his 
writings have appeared in print. On this account most of 
his best work lies buried from the world. '* Disdaining all 
mere sham, he aimed only at the real and the true. Imitat- 
ing the pi'ocesses of nature, that seeks by gradual accretion 
to build up her most enduring monuments, he was content 
with the ])atient, faithful discharge of every-day duty, adding 
line to line and precept to precept, trusting to time and to 



67 

results to prove the excellence of his work." Judged by 
his picture alone, one would say he was a man of solid rather 
than showy intellectual attainments. He was a genial friend, 
a frank and sincere man, and a ])atriotic citizen. 

Rev. Francis Hiram Case. — He was born in October, 1797, 
and was graduated from Yale College in 1822, and studied 
Theology at the Yale Divinity School. He was settled as 
pastor of the Congregational Church in Goshen, Conn., Feb- 
ruary 1, 1826, and dismissed September 30,1828. In 1830, 
December 22d, he was installed over the church in Avon, 
Conn., and was dismissed April 28, 1840. In 1842, he went 
to Whitewater, Wis., and for two years was pastor of the Con- 
gregational Church of that place. Soon after he returned to 
his native town, where he resided several years without charge, 
and tinally returned to the West, and died at Cold Spring, 
Wis., December 20, 1872. 

Rev. Sidney Mills. — Born March, 1799. He was educated 
at Phillips Academy and Theological Seminary, Andover, 
Mass. He first kept a boarding-school in Goshen, Conn., and 
afterwards was ordained as a missionary to New York. He 
settled in Smyrna, and from there went to Otisco, and thence 
to Lawrenceville, Penn., where he kept a boarding-school 
until his health failed. Then he removed to Clifton, Va., 
and lived with a married daughter till his death, March, 1874. 

Rev. Chester Humphrey. — Born October, 1802. Was grad- 
uated at Amherst College, 1828, He was settled over the 
Congregational Church in Vernon, Conn., and died in his 
pastorate, 1843. 

He was a man of devoted piety. The following incident is 
related of him while residing in Canton. One day he visited 
a poor woman for whose salvation he had been deeply inter- 
ested, and told her how he felt. She was so impressed by the 
fact that Mr. Humphrey was interested in her salvation that 
she could not get rid of the feeling tliat she ought herself to 
be interested, and was soon converted. 

Rev. Luther H. Barbour. — Born 1815. Was graduated at 
Amherst College, 1839, and at Hartford Theological Semi- 



68 

nary, 1842. lie was ordained at Kiverton, Conn., 1842, and 
remained there till 1801. Was pastor at Sc-otland, Conn., 
1862-1869. Was acting pastor at Hanover, Conn., from 
1869-1878. He became acting pastor at Bolton, Conn., 1878, 
wliere he still remains in active service. He married Miss 
Lncinda Taylor of Canton, August 28, 1842. 

Rev. Edmund Y. Garreite. — Born in New Hartford, 1823; 
but a member of the church in Canton Center. He was 
graduated at Amherst College in 1850, and he took a partial 
course at the Theological Seminary of Connecticut, and grad- 
uated at Andover in 1853. He was ordained pastor at Fox- 
boro, Mass., April 1854-1867. Was installed at Middleb'iiry, 
Mass., 1867-1809; at Pittsburg, Penn., in 1869. Was acting 
pastor at La Crosse, Wis., in 1872; and in 1881 was at 
Atlanta, Ga. In 1883 he became acting pastor of the Con- 
gregational Churcli at Paxton, 111., where he still remains. 
He married Miss Frances W. Parkhurst of Milford, Mass. 

Rev. Augustus Hart Carrier, D.D. — Born March, 1832. He 
was graduated at Yale College, 1851. Taught in Monson 
Academy, Mass., one year. Graduated at the Andover The- 
ological Seminary in 1855. He was settled successively at 
North East, Pa., Auburndale, Mass., Erie, Pa., Minneapolis, 
Minn., and Indianapolis, Ind. He spent part of 1885-6 in 
Germany. 

The family name was Bandell. At the age of four years 
he was adopted by his uncle, Mr. Carrier of Bridgeport, 
Conn,, whose name he took. He married Miss Susan Ban- 
dall of Norfolk, Conn. He has two sons, the elder a gradu- 
ate of Yale College and Hartford Theological Seminary. He 
has preached for a time at Bloomiield, Ind., and studied one 
year in Germany, The younger son is a graduate of Harvard 
University, and also spent one year in Germany. 

Rev. Roger Adams. — Born 1770, died 1838. "Was a man 
of more than common ability. He had two sons, twin 
brothers, who entered the ministry. Their names were 

Erastus Homer, minister of , and James Watson, D.D., 

minister of Syracuse." 



69 

Rev. Abel Lester Barher. — He was graduated from Amlierst 
College in 1831. He studied Theology with Rev. Allen 
McLean of Simsbury, and was licensed to preach by the 
Hartford North Association, June 4, 1833. He married a 
daughter of Amasa Woodford of Avon, Conn. He Avent 
West, and soon after became a Baptist minister. Keturned 
East, and probably preached for a time for a Baptist Church 
in Avon, and in Wallingford, Conn., and at the latter place 
died. 

Rev. Rollin S. Stone. — He was the son of William Stone, a 
merchant in Canton Street. He studied in the schools of 
Canton. Became a Congregational minister. Was settled 
for a time in Brooklyn, N. Y., and is now pastor of a Con- 
gregational Church in Chatham, N. J. 

Rev. Amos Leverett Spencer. — He was born October 1-1, 1799. 
He studied theology for a time with Rev. Allen McLean of 
Simsbury. He became a local Methodist preacher in Ohio, 
and died at Bootstown, Ohio, September 19, 1845. 

Rev. Roma Barnes. — He was not born in Canton, but while 
living here as a youth was converted in the revival of 1821, 
under Rev. Mr. Hallock. He preached for a time in Ohio, 
and died young. He is described as a man of good ability, 
and an earnest and convincing preacher. 

Rev. Selah Merrill, D.D., LL.D. — ^Yil?, born in Canton, 
Conn., May 2d, 1837. His father died before Selah was iifteen 
years of age, and for two years he labored on the farm, 
endeavoring as far as possible to fill his father's place, but his 
natural taste was for study, and in 1854 his mother sold the 
farm (which had never been out of the name of Merrill since 
it was bought of the Indians) and moved to Westfield, Mass., 
that she might give her children better advantages for educa- 
tion. Here" Selah attended the academy, working part of 
the time in a grocery store. He finished his preparation for 
college at Easthampton, and entered Yale in the autumn of 
1858. After one year of study, during which time he took 
the first prize for original declanuition, he became impatient 



70 

at the length of time devoted to the classics, and leaving the 
college course, entered tlie Theological Seminary in New 
Haven, where he remained three years. Soon after leaving 
the Theological Seminary, he was appointed chaplain of a 
Massachusetts regiment stationed near Vicksburg, Miss. 
He was ordained by the Hampden Association at Feeding 
Hills, Mass. He ])reaclied one year at Chester, Mass., two 
years at Le Roy, N. Y., from whence he was called to take 
charge of the Third Congregational Church of San Francisco. 
He went thither in the fall of '67, intending to make that his 
future home, but the winter of 'G7-'68, was an unusually wet 
one, and Mr. Merrill suffered from a succession of attacks of 
pneumonia so that he was obliged to return East in 1868. 
In the fall of the same year, he went to Berlin, Germany, 
for the study of Hebrew and German. The following year 
he spent some time traveling in Palestine. On his return 
to America he supplied for some time the pulpit at Salmon 
Falls, N. H. During the absence of Prof. Mead in 
Europe, Mr. Merrill supplied his place in the department 
of Hebrew instruction in Andover Theological Seminary. 
About this time he also made a clear, complete, and careful 
account of the Assyrian treasures in America — the slabs 
and bricks and figures large and small, plain and inscribed, 
whole and broken, in the different college museums and 
libraries. He deciphered and translated the inscriptions upon 
them, and the result of these labors was published in the 
Biblioiheca Sacra for April, 1875, and attracted considerable 
attention. In 187J: he was appointed Archaeologist of the 
American Palestine Exploration Society, and sailed from 
America June 19, 1875, arriving at Beirut, the headquarters 
of the expedition, Aug. 9th. Speaking of this appointment, 
Rev. Joseph Cook exclaimed, '' Thank God, that for once in 
a life-time the right man has got into the right place." 

During the years 1875-'77, he made four different expedi- 
tions. The journal of two of these is given in a book entitled 
"East of the Jordan," published by Scribner, in 1881. On 
Thursday, Dec, 23, 1875, Mr. Merrill was placed in charge 
of the exploration work, which he carried on until the sum- 



71 

mer of '77, when lie returned to America, l)ut was retained 
by the society for some time to write reports and assist Mr. 
Meyer in the preparation of maps. In the introduction to 
" East of the Jordan," Rev, Roswell D. Hitchcock says : 
" The antlior of this book has done conspicnous and excellent 
service in the field. He was no ordinary traveler. As 
an Archaeologist of the 'Palestine Exploration Society,' his 
opportunities were exceptionally good, and these opportuni- 
ties were well improved. He showed admirable tact, and 
had rare good luck in dealing with the Bedouins, whose 
habits he studied carefully, and among whom he dwelt as 
securely as at Andover. He has the credit of several impor- 
tant identifications. Another volume written by Mr. JMerrill 
w-as published in 1881, by the Congregational Publishing 
Society of Boston, entitled, " Galilee, in the time of Christ." 
Besides various contributions to the Bihliotheca Sacra, Dr. 
Merrill has written largely for the London Athenaeum, the Bos- 
ton Advertiser, Congregaiionalist,?Lnd Watchman; X\\e New York 
Independent, and Semi- Weekly Tribune, the New Englander, and 
the International Review, and has recently published a pamphlet 
on the '* Probable Site of Calvary." In 1881, Dr. Merrill was 
appointed U. S. Consul to Jerusalem, and the papers were 
awaiting the President's signature, when the assassin's 
bullet put an end to president Garfield's valuable labors, and 
eventually to his life. Thus matters were delayed until the 
following spring, when Dr. Merrill again sailed for Palestine. 
His term of otiice there has been one of general satisfaction 
to the government at home, to the traveling public, and to 
the authorities at Jerusalem. Since the Democratic admin- 
istration has come into power at Washington, a successor has 
been appointed, but he has not yet reached his post, so that 
Dr. Merrill is at the present writing still in Jerusalem. In 
the autumn of 1878, Dr. Merrill delivered a course of twelve 
lectures before the Lowell Institute, Boston. He also lectured 
frequently in other towns and cities during 1878-80. Dr. Mer- 
rill has been three times married. His first wife was Miss Fran- 
ces L. Cooke of Chester, Mass., to whom he was married, March 
15, 1866. She lived but little more than one year, and died 



72 

ill child-birtli. September 16, 1868, lie married Mrs. Pliila 
Wilkiiis P^irgo of Warsaw, N. Y., wlio accompanied him to 
Berlin to ])erfect herself in vocal music. While there, she 
took cold at an evening entertainment given by Minister 
Bancroft, at which Bismarck was present. This cold settled 
into consumption, and she came home and died at Warsaw 
in November, 1870. April 27, 1875, he was married to Miss 
Adelaide Brewster Taylor of Andover, Mass., the seventh 
generation in direct descent from Elder Brewster, Mrs. 
Merrill is now with her husband in Palestine. He has no 
children living. 

Rev. Clarence H. Barhour. — He was born February, 1853. 
He was graduated at Amherst College in 1877, and at the 
Hartford Theological Seminary in 1880. He was ordained 
pastor of the Congregational Church in Torringtbrd, Conn., 
June 17, 1880, where he is still doing successful work. He 
was married Sept. 29, 1880, to Miss Minnie Johnson of 
Morris, Conn. 



SKETCHES OF LAWYERS BORN IN CANTON. 

Frederick Brown. — Born 1769. He removed to Ohio, and 
though not educated as a lawyer, he became judge of the cir- 
cuit court there. He died in 1848. 

Jeremiah H. Hallock. — Son of Rev. Jeremiah Hallock, 
born 1790 ; was graduated from Williams College 1809. For 
some time he was judge of the circuit court in Ohio. Other 
facts of his life are referred to in the sketch of his father. He 
died at Steuben ville, Ohio, 1818. 

Jeremiah Humphreys. — Son of Deacon Alvin Humphreys, 
was born February, 1806. Was a member of Yale College. 
Entered upon the profession of law 1831 at Nassau, N. Y. 
Married at Albany, N. Y., August 31, 1829, Hannah Swart 
of Poughkeepsie. Went to Michigan and probably resided 
in Schoolcraft in that State. He afterward removed with his 
family to Fulton, 111., where he died in June, 1815. 

Randoli^h Case. — He was born August 21, 1809. He spent 



73 

one year at Amherst College, but was graduated from Trinity 
College, Hartford, Conn. He studied law, but did not pur- 
sue it as a profession. He was for some years principal of an 
academy at St. Leonard, Calvert County, Maryland. He 
died April 21, 1859. 

Hosea Dayton Humphrey. — Born 1809. He was graduated 
at Amherst College, 1833. Studied law for two years with 
Henry Starr of Cincinnati, Ohio ; settled in the practice of 
his profession at Crawfordsville, Ind. Two years later he was 
elected professor of mathematics in Wabash College, Craw- 
fordsville. He continued in the duties of his chair and in legal 
practice until his death, September 18, 18-15. He married 
Caroline Starr of Warren, Conn., September 23, 1835. 

Lucian Barber. — Was graduated at Amherst College, 1837. 
Settled in Indianapolis, Ind., in the practice of law. Pie 
represented his district one term in Congress. Died 1880. 

Neman Humphrey Barbour. — Was born in 1820. He mar- 
ried (1) Miss Frances E. Merrill of Barkhamsted, Conn. He 
practiced law in Columbus, Ind. He was elected State sen- 
ator for three years. In 1846 he enlisted for service in the 
Mexican war, but his regiment never went into active ser- 
vice. He held a commission as lieutenant. In 1847 he re- 
sumed the practice of law in Columbus, and became elder of 
the Presbyterian Church, teacher of a Bible class, and chor- 
ister. In 1850 he removed to Hartford, Conn., where he con- 
tinued to live until his death in 1880. He wrote a book 
entitled " My Wife and My Mother," He married (2) Almira 
Barker in 1865. 

Elizur Lancel Foote. — He was the fifth son of Deacon 
Lancel — was born in 1822, and died at Chicago in 1868. 
He fitted for College at Williston Seminary, Easthampton, 
Mass., and graduated at St. John's College, Annapolis, Md. — 
of which his uncle. Dr. Hector Humphreys, was then Presi- 
dent — with the highest honors of his class. He was eminent 
as a scholar, and successful as a teachei-. He commenced the 
study of law, which on account of ill-health was discontinued^ 
and his attention was turned to active business for a time. 

10 



74 

He establislied a cLassical school for fitting .yonng men for 
Colloi>;e, at Oranii!;e, N. J., wliicli iiourislied iw several years. 
At the time of his deatli, lie was associated with hisbrothei" J. 
Howard Foote as manager of his Chicago Branch House, 

Henry Stiles Barbour. — Born in 1822. Married Pamela J. 
Bart]i()lomew\ Studied at the academies in Amherst and 
Eastham])tou, Mass^ He read law with Roger PI. Mills, 
Esq., of New Hartford, Conn., and in the Yale Law School. 
He practiced law in Wolcottville, Conn., was judge of pro- 
hate, town clerk and treasurer, and represented the town two 
terms in the Legislature, 1850 and 1865 ; was State senator in 
1870. He was deacon of the Congregational Church and 
Sabbath-school teacher. In 1870 he removed to Hartford, 
Conn., and practiced law with his brother Heman, where he 
still resides. 

Sylvester Barbour. — Born in 1831. Attended school at 
Suliield, Conn,, and at Williston Seminary, Easthampton, 
Mass. He taught school in Torrington and Goshen, Conn. 
Studied law with his brother Heman in Hartford and at the 
Poughkeepsie Law School. Practiced law at New Hartford 
and at Ansonia, Conn., and finally removed to Hartford, 
Conn,, where he still resides. He married, November, 1860, 
Amelia F, Collin. 

Seymour A! Case. — Born in North Canton, October 10, 
1816. Studied law with Hon. Elisha Phelps of Simsburj 
and Hon. Isaac Toucey of Hartford. Died November 26, 
1872. He was a bachelor and a man of wealth. 

Orrin S. Case. — Practiced law at Collinsville, Conn., went 
into the Union army during the Civil War, and was killed 
wdiile on picket duty. 

Uriali Case. — Pie was born March 17, 1828, Pie married 
Adeline M, Johnson, January 1, 1852. He studied at the 
Literary Institution at Suffield, Conn, Read law at Ply- 
mouth, Conn., with Heman IP. Barbour of Madison, Ind., and 
began ])ractice at Plainvillc, Conn., and afterwards located in 
Hartford, where he still resides in the practice of his pro- 
fession. 



75 

Willard White. — He was bom May 30,1843. He fitted 
for college at Eastliainpton, Mass., and was graduated at 
Ainliei'st College in 1872. He studied law in Boston and 
began practice there in 1875, at which time also he received 
the degree of LL.B. from Boston University. He has, 
however, devoted himself mostly to business of various kinds, 
in which he has been successful. He is largely interested in 
the oil business in Pennsylvania. He resides in Boston, 
Mass. 

Wilbert Warren Perry. — He was born December 20, 1851. 
He was fitted for college at the Collinsville and Hartford 
High Schools, He entered Yale College in 1867, and was 
graduated in 1871, the valedictorian of his class. During his 
college course he won the Woolsey scholarship, the Bristed 
scholarship, and one of the Townsend prizes for English com- 
position. For four years after his graduation he taught as 
assistant and principal in a classical school in Morristown, 
New Jersey. He was offered a tutorahip in Yale, but de- 
clined, and in 1875 he entered the Columbia Law School in 
New York and graduated in 1877. He was soon after ad- 
mitted to the bar, and began practice in Hartford, Conn., 
where he still resides. He has been assistant States Attorney 
was a member of the commission for revising the judicial 
system and criminal code of the State, and has held several 
responsible positions. 

William Edgar Si inonds. — He was born in Collinsville No- 
vember 24, 1842. Graduated from Collinsville High School, 
from the State Normal School in 1860, and from the Yale 
Law School in 1865, and is at the present time a lecturer in 
the latter on Patent Law. He enlisted as a private in the 
Union army ; became sergeant-major, and was promoted to 
lieutenant for bravery at the battle of Irish Bend, La., April 
24, 1863. He has twice represented the town of Canton in 
the Legislature, and once been speaker of the House. He is 
the author of tliree works on patent law, and is now engaged 
in the practice of patent law in Hartford, but his residence is 
in Canton. 



76 

Clifford Atirater. — ITe was born November, 1858, gradu- 
ated from the ColHiisville High School in 1879, and from 
Bates College,' Lewiston, Maine, 1883. He was principal of 
the high school in Taritfville, Conn,, and afterwards studied 
law and was admitted to the bar in 1885. 

Albert Tiffumj. — Son of Dr. Tiffany. He took his pre- 
paratory course in the Collinsville High School, and studied 
Jaw in Hartford, where at last accounts he was practicing. 

Charles N. Codding. — He is the son of Samuel N., and 
was graduated at Yale College in 1886, and is now studying 
law at the Columbia Law School in New York. 

Frederick M. Mills. — He was educated at the Collinsville 
High School and entered college, but did not graduate. He 
studied law at Hartford and New York. He began the prac- 
tice of law in Collinsville. He died October 23, 1886, aged 
twenty-seven years. 

SKETCHES OF PHYSICIANS BORN IN CANTON. 

Dudley Humphrey. — He was the son of Deacon Theophilus, 
born Dec. 26, 1784. He married Elizabeth Humphreys, 
daughter of Col. George. He studied medicine with Dr. 
Philander Humphrey of Hartland, Conn,, and practiced a 
few years in that town, and also for a time in Granville, Mass. 
He afterwards removed to Orwell, Penn., where he resided 
until his death, April 26, 1826. He was a deacon and ruling 
elder in tlie church, and highly esteemed as a man and as a 
Christian. 

Enistus Humphreys. — He was born May 17, 1785 ; was the 
son of Capt. Aslier. Pie married Anna Landon of Canton, 
He was a nephew of Rev. Jeremiah Hallock. He studied 
medicine wuth Dr. Solomon Everest and at the Medical School 
in Hartford, where he graduated in 1808. 

For two years he was associated with Dr. Everest in prac- 
tice, and afterward removed to Marcellus, New York, where 
he at once took a prominent position in his profession. He 
was also engaged in business, became clerk of the board of 
trustees of the Presbyterian societ}-, and leader of the choir. 



77 

In 1823 he removed to Anbiini, N. Y., became President of 
the Cayuga County Medical Society, and surgeon of the 
Auburn State prison. In 1840 he was converted to the 
Homeopathic system of medicine, to whicli lie strongly held 
for the remainder of his life. He afterwards resided at Syra- 
cuse, at Utica, and New York city, and finally returned to 
Utica, where he died, March 9, 1848. He was largely instru- 
mental in building up Homeopathy in Central and Western 
New York. He left a brilliant professional record. 

T)r. Solomon Everest. — AVas a native of Salisbury, Conn. 
He began the practice of medicine in Avon, Conn., formerly 
a part of Farmington, and removed to Canton in 1796. Here 
he resided till his death in 1822. He married Amelia Everitt, 
of Winchester, Conn,, May 15, 1782. He was a conscientious 
and skillful physician, an honored citizen, and a practical and 
benevolent Christian. 

The following incident occurred in his medical practice: 
" He was called to see a young girl supposed to be under the 
influence of witchcraft. When he reached the house he found 
her lying on a bed in great consternation, suffering intensely. 
She implored the doctor for help. She imagined that witches 
were pinching her arms and limbs, wliich caused her to cry 
out in agony, and visible marks of pinches appeared on her 
flesh. The doctor told her that witchcraft was a common 
complaint, and he could cure it. There were two ways, either 
burning or drowning the witches. He ordered a cistern filled 
with water, and the patient immersed in it when the witches 
should begin their attack. This was done, and at the repeti- 
tion of it the witches began to withdraw. When the doctor 
left he told the patient that if the water did not cure her, he 
had a large witch iron, which, when heated red-hot, would 
surely effect a cure. She listened, and concluded that the 
remedj' was worse than the disease. Two days after he 
ordered two of his students to call and report progress. 
They returned, saying that the patient was well and peace 
restored to the family." 

Dr. Everest left by will about $8,000, the income to be ex- 
pended in the education of worthy young men for the minis- 



78 

try. Tliis fund is administered by the Connecticut Missionary 
Society. His widow left $500 to aid the needy female mem- 
bers of the church in Canton, and to furnish the communion 
table. 

Orren B. Freeman. — He was born in 1796. He was edu- 
cated in the schools in Canton and at Westfield Academy, 
Mass. He studied medicine with Dr. Solomon Everest of 
Canton. He began practice in Canton ; continued it for about 
one year in Wolcottville, Conn. ; returned to Canton for a 
short time, and in 1847 moved to Sanduskj', Ohio, where lie 
remained about two years, and then returned to his native 
town and settled in Collinsville, wdiere he died Nov. 20, 1880, 
aged 84 years. He was a fine example of a gentleman of 
the old school. 

Dayton Spencer. — He was born Aug. 20, 1801. He studied 
medicine; practiced a few years in Deerfield, Mass. He 
afterwards enlisted in the United States Army, and died in 
the hospital in the State of Alabama, Sept. 30, 1836. 

Israel Lewis Graham. — lie studied at Amherst Academy, 
then took a medical course in New York. He practiced first 
in Bristol, Conn., then moved to Hudson, Western Reserve, 
Ohio, thence to Muscatine, Iowa, where he now owns a drug 
store, and occasionally practices his profession. He has built 
for himself a tine residence. , 

Luther Lee. — Studied medicine with Dr. Brown of Hart- 
ford, and attended lectures in New York. He commenced 
the practice of medicine in Boston, Mass., where he is now a 
successful physician, 

James Weed. — Son of Dr. Benjamin Weed. Is now a 
dentist in Muscatine, Iowa. 

Albert R. Adams. — Son of Oliver C. Adams. Born Au- 
gust, 1848. Received his medical education in New York; 
practiced there till his death at his fathei-'s house in Canton, 
November, 1884. 

Erastus E. Case. — Was educated at Easthampton, Mass., 
and graduated at Yale in 1872. Studied medicine (Homeo- 



79 

patliy) in New York, and began to practice in Rockville, 
Conn, He soon settled in Hartford, where he now resides. 

Solomon Forbes. — He removed to Milton, Florida, where he 
practiced medicine, and became mayor of the city. 

Willard E. Case. — He was the son of Erastns, who was the 
son of Elisha. He resided in Auburn, New York, practiced 
medicine there, and has died since 1880. 

Ellsworth E. Colton. — He is a practicing pliysician near 
New York city. 

Miss Ida R. Oridley. — She was graduated from the Collins- 
ville High School in 1880, and from Wesleyan University, 
Middletown, Conn., in 1885. In 1885-6 she taught a private, 
select school at Canton Center, and began the study of medi- 
cine with Drs. Roberts and Abrams of Collinsville. She is 
now further prosecuting her studies at the AVoman's Medical 
College in New York city. 



SKETCHES OF BUSINESS MEN BORN IN CANTON. 

Men Prominent in Church and Town Affairs, who Lived and 

Died in Canton. — Young Ladies who Received a Public 

Education Abroad, and a List op the Soldiers who Served 

IN THE Union Armt. 

Deacon John Broion. — Brother of Owen Brown, born 1T67. 

A noted religious worker. His memory lives yet in his home, 

New Hartford. Died 1849. 

Owen Brown. — Born 1771. Father of John Brown, the 
martyr. After leaving Canton, he lived in Torrington, Conn., 
where John the martyr was born, then moved to Ohio, and 
was one of the chief movers in building up Western Reserve 
College. After a time, a negro applied for admission to the 
college. On the refusal of the trustees to admit him, Mr. 
Brown withdrew his support, and soon after aided in l)uildiug 
Oberlin College. He died in 1856. 

Reuben Humphreys. — He was the son of Oliver, and Avas 
born September 2, 1757. He married Anna, daughter of 
Capt. Ezekiel Humphrey. He was in the War of the Revo- 



80 

lutioii as private, captain, major, brigade major, and 
inspector of the first division of Connecticut militia. He 
was twice a representative to the General Assembly, He 
was elected justiceof the peace, and superintendent of Newgate 
at Simsbury, the first State prison in Connecticut, He after- 
wards removed to Onondaga Co., New York, and in 1804 was 
appointed judge of the county by Gov. Morgan Lewis, In 1807 
he was elected a member of Congress and served one term of 
two years. From 1811 to 1815, he was four times elected to 
the Senate of the State of New York. He is said to have 
l)een a portly man, weighing at his maximum, two hundred 
and fifty pounds. Several of his children were like him in 
this respect. His wife was remarkable for her executive 
ability. She managed the household and farm, while he 
managed the outside world. On a certain occasion, when 
lamenting his large family of twelve children, his grand- 
mother, then nearly one hundred years old, said : " Why 
Reuben, children are a blessing." "Yes," he replied, "so is 
snow, but who wants it twelve feet deep," 

Allen Humphrey. — He was born in 1777, son of Capt. 
Elijah. He married Polly, daughter of Benjamin Bidwell of 
Simsbury, In 1811, he removed to Claridon, Ohio, making 
the journey with two yoke of oxen and a canvas-covered 
wagon. He served in the war of 1812, commanded the post 
at Cleveland at the time of Gen. Hull's surrender at Detroit. 
He died at Claridon, December 22, 1825. 

River ius Bidwell. — He was born in 1785. He went to 
Gustavus, Ohio, in 1811. He built flouring mills at San- 
dusky, and represented his town in the Ohio legislature. He 
lias recently deceased. 

Gad Humphreys. — He was born, 1786 ; son of Hon. Reuben. 
He married Mary S., daughter of Sylvester Larned of PittSi- 
fleld, Mass. In 1808, he was appointed first lieutenant of 
United States Infantry, became captain, was wounded in the 
capture of York, Upper Canada in 1813, and became major 
in 1814. He was afterwards appointed lieutenant-colonel. 
He was appointed United States agent to the Seminole 



81 

Indians in Florida. He subsequently removed to St. Ano'us- 
tine, Fla., where he resided until his death, August 31, 1859. 

Decius Humpfireys. — He was born April 19, 1789, son of 
Col. George. He married January 1, 1809, Laura, daughter 
of Ezra Adams, Esq., of North Canton. He was a farmer 
and manufacturer. He was lieutenant of a regiment of 
artillery that was stationed at New London in 1813. He 
was afterward elected major, lieutentant-colonel, and colonel. 
He was offered the position of brigadier-general, but declined. 
In 1826, he remov^ed to North Canton, was elected justice of 
the peace in 1830, holding that position until the town of 
Canton was incorporated in 1806, In 1842, he removed to 
Huron, Ohio, and in 1853 to Muscatine, Iowa, where he con- 
tinued to reside until his death, June 14, 1878, in his 90th 
year. 

May Humphreys. — He was born July 15, 1792, son of 
Hon. Reuben. He married Nov. 4, 1829, May Anne, daugh- 
ter of George W. Hoppin of Providence, R. I. He resided 
successively in Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York city. 
He made frequent business trips to the West India Islands. 
He was the manager of large cotton operations, and in 1837 
lie went to Liverpool and established the house of Humphreys 
& Biddle. He died in a good old age, esteemed by all who 
knew him. 

Oeneral Ansel Hamphrtys. — Born June 1, 1792. It 
appears that he spent most of his life in Muscatine, Iowa, 
where he died April 21, 1873. His life was one of great 
activity. He had a vigorous constitution, large intellectual 
faculties, high moral attributes, indomitable resolution, and 
was clearly born to be a leader. While he lived in Connecti- 
cut, he was brigadier-general of the lirst brigade of Connecti- 
cut militia, and retired with the rank of major-general. 
After removing to Iowa, he was deputy sheriff, sheriff, justice 
of the peace, and U. S, Commissioner, The latter position 
he held till his death. He was widely known as a Mason, 
having filled the highest positions in that order. He died an 
11 



82 

old man full of years and honors, and his death was widely 
and deeply nionrned. 

Solon IJumplireys. — Son of Decins. Born October 27, 
1821. He was educated in Wri<i;lit's Academy, East Hart- 
ford, and spent one year in St. Jolm's College, Annapolis, 
Md., under his uncle, Dr. Hector Humphreys. His life has 
been one of marked success in the business world. He has 
held many positions of trust and responsibility. Has been a 
noted railway manager and largely interested in railways. 
He has been vice-president of the Chamber of Commerce 
in New York, and at one time its treasurer. He is a man of 
decided religious character, having been warden of the Trin- 
ity Protestant Episcopal Church at Bergen Point, N. J,, 
where he resides. His place of business is New York city, 
and he is a member of tlie firm of E. D. Morgan & Co. He 
is a man of great wealth. 

Reuben Ilumphreys. — He was the son of Hon. Reuben. 
He married Diantha, daughter of Col. Peter Lawrence of 
Marcellus, N. Y. He enlisted in the regular army, at 
Buffalo in 1813, and served through the war. Pie was 
appointed second lieutenant of infantry, and captain. He 
was stationed in the South at Mobile Point, and died there 
in 1822, while in command of his post. 

Loyal Wilcox. — He was born in 1800. He was engaged in 
mercantile business in Chillicothe, Ohio, and in Madison, Ind. 
He then removed to Hartford, Conn., where he continued 
his business. He became an active member of the Center 
Church, and was deacon in the same for many years. He 
was successful in business, and benevolent. He gave $1,000 
towards the erection of the Methodist Episcopal Church in 
North Canton, and $1,000 as a permanent fund. He is 
described by one who knew him as a man " upright and 
honorable in all his business transactions, genial and courte- 
ous in his social relations, a man of strict integrity, and 
entitled to the fullest confidence and respect of his fellow- 
citizens. He died in Hartford. 

ElviJia Huron Humphrey. — He was born June 30, 1805. 



83 

He removed to Ohio. In early life he was a saddler and 
harness-maker, but afterwards became a lawyer, and practiced 
in Ohio. He resided for several years in Claridon, Ohio, and 
removed to Blisslield, Mich., where he was still livin*;:; in 
1884. He served in the war for the Union, was appointed 
colonel, was eno;aa;ed in the defense of Frankfort and Lexing;- 
ton, Ky., and in the pursuit of the guerilla John Morgan. 
He was the leader of the scouting party that captured the 
well-known rebel Scott. 

Jarvis P. Case. — He was born in jSTorth Canton, June 9, 
1805. Son of Philetus and Lucinda Case. At the age of 
twenty-four he removed to Dansville, IST. Y., and became 
agent for the sale of clocks, and was also a large farmer. 
The following is given as a true picture of the man: "Mr. 
Case has been successful in business relations; but he M-ill 
be known by future generations and remembered by his 
neighbors, not by the number of acres he has owned, but by 
the influence of an upright, Christian life. He became a 
worthy member of the Presbyterian Church in 1840. He 
has been one of the most prominent and useful men in the 
town. For more than twenty-five years he has been deacon 
of the church, and clerk and trustee for a great many years." 

Newton Case. — He was born in 1807; the son of Deacon 
Jesse Case. He labored upon the farm until he was twenty- 
one years of age ; then went to Hartford and worked for his 
board in a copper-plate printing establishment. He soon 
beo-an to receive was-es, continuing in the same business. 
In 1830 he and Mr. E. H. Wilcox formed a copartnership, 
which existed little more than one year. He then man- 
aged the same business alone for two years, after which 
Mr. A. D. Waters was admitted as partner. At that 
time almost all the school geographies of any value in the 
country were published in Hartford. Mr. Case married 
Lemira B. Hurlbut in December, 1832. In 1836 Mr. Case 
and Mr. E. D. Tifi'any purchased of J. Hubbard Wells, his 
printing office, located in what was then known as the Mitchell 
building, on State street. Two years later they added, by 



84 

purchase, the printing office of Pliilemom Canfield, and re- 
moved to tlie corner of Pearl and Trumbull streets. 

The years 1834-5 had been years of business depression, 
but in the year following business revived and brought pros- 
perity to the enterprise. 

In 1838 Mr. Case sold his interest in the copper-plate 
printing establishment to Mr. Waters, and at this same time 
purchased Mr. Waters' interest in the firm of Case, Tiffany 
& Co. Soon after Mr. Leander C. Burnham was admitted 
as a partner. In 1840 the company purchased the stereotype 
plates and publishing rights of the " Cottage Bible," and sold 
all they could print. 

In 1848 Mr. Burnham died, and two years after Mr. 
Edmund Shattuck became manager of the bindery, but at 
tlie end of four or five years retired. In 1853 Mr. James 
Lockwood and Mr. Albert G. Cooley were admitted to the 
firm. In 1857 Mr. Tiflfany and Mr. Cooley both retired, and 
in 1858 Mr. Leverett Brainard became a partner. In 1874, 
under charter from the Legislature, the new company was 
organized under the name of '" The Case, Lockwood & 
Brainard Company"; this is still (1886) the name of the 
house. 

About twenty years ago Mr. Case gave up active con- 
nection with the company, in the hope of finding the rest 
his busy life had earned ; but other business cares have come 
upon him, and at the age of nearly eighty years he is still 
active and vigorous. 

For many years Mr. Case has been an influential and 
valued member of the Asylum Hill Congregational Church. 
His life speaks for him. He is widely known as a man of 
open-handed. Christian benevolence. 

The following statement of his connection with the Hart- 
ford Theological Seminary, is by Dv. William Thompson: 

"It is now thirty-one years since Mr. Kewton Case became 
a trustee of Hartford Theological Seminary. Of the lay 
members of the Board when he Avas elected, J. B. Hosmer, 
Pliu}' Jewell, Lucius Barbour, and others, have passed away. 
After the seminar}' was removed to Hartford twenty-one 



85 

years ago, he serv-^ed for a considerable period as a member of 
the Prudential Committee. Between the annual meetinirs of 
tlie Trustees, this committee is not unfrecjuently called upon 
to deal with questions closely connected with the welfare of 
the seminary. 

" When in 1878, the generous gift of Mr. James B. Hosmer 
enabled the Trustees to provide satisfactory accommodations 
for the institution, Mr. Case was appointed on the building 
committee, and gave assiduous attention to all the details 
pertaining to the erection of the spacious hall on Broad 
street. To him and his associates, the friends of the semi- 
nary are deeply indebted for their gratuitous and faithful 
services. 

"'For aid in another direction, Mr, Case ranks among the 
chief benefactors of the institution. During its early years 
it had less than eight thousand volumes, and many of these 
were of little value. To Mr. Case belongs the lasting honor 
of unstinted outlays for the benefit of the librar3\ His dona- 
tions for this object amount to thirty thousand dollars. The 
library now contains more than forty thousand volumes. In 
tlie judgment of eminent scholars it is one of the foremost 
collections of theological works in the country. 

" During the ten yeai-s that Mr. Case held the office of treas- 
urer, investments of this general fund, and of scholarships for 
indigent students were so judiciously made that no losses 
occurred, and the shrinkage of interest was less than what 
many loans suffered during the same period. If a few 
prosperous friends of theological learning would cooperate 
wntli Mr. Case, important professorships in Hartford Theo- 
logical Seminary would not long remain unendowed, nor 
would the wants of needy students be inadequately supplied." 

David Humphrey. — He was born April 24, 1813, son of 
Col. Decius. He entered Amherst College, but graduated 
at Union College, Schenectady. He studied law, but had 
not commenced practice at the time of his death. Mr. M. S. 
Dyer of Canton, writes of him as follows : '' The aptitude of 
the Humphreys to learn and retain was illustrated in David, 



86 

son of Deciiis, and brotlier of Solon Ilnmphrey of New York. 
AVliile David was at school at Amherst, he wrote a short poein 
which he showed me. I read it over twice, and the next time 
I saw him, I repeated the whole of it to him. He remarked 
that he wished he could remember as well. I told him he could 
if he would try. After two or three months he called on me 
and said that he had followed my instructions and could 
repeat anythini^ that he carefully studied, telling me to write 
one hundred names of any persons or places and he would 
read them and rejDeat them next day. I wrote the one 
hundred names of any that I could think of, mostly ancient, 
some modern. He read them over twice, handed the paper 
back to me, and the next da}'^ or two after, called and 
repeated them backward and forward without a mistake. I 
never saw any other person that could do it." 

George fJumphreys Foote. — He was the eldest son of Deacon 
Lancel. Born 1814, and died, 1842, in Ohio. Though not a 
college graduate, he was a scholarly man, a ripe thinker, a 
profound mathematician, and a successful teacher. He was 
the author of a Juvenile Primer, which was the earliest pub- 
lication of the kind introducing " Object Teaching" ; audit 
is believed that this was one of the first developments in this 
countrj^ of the Kindergarten system. He was a noted musician 
and flutist. Pie was engaged at the time of his early death on 
a work of great practical value to architects and builders, 
which was never completed. 

Wolcott J. liu'm'phrey . — He M'as born November 11, 1817, 
one year before his father, Theophilus, the son of Dea. 
Theophilus, moved from Canton to Sheldon, New York. 
He married Amanda, daughter of Major William S. Martin- 
dale of Dorset, Vt. He has been farmer, tanner, and mer- 
chant ; also President of the National Bank of Warsaw, N. Y., 
since 1808. When twent}' years old, he was elected 
Colonel in the New York State militia. He has held various 
offices : Census Marshal, and Postmaster ; was twice elected 
to the New York Assembly ; was chairnum of the Commit- 
tee on Railroads, and reported the Central Railroad bill ;. 



87 

was selected to talce cliarge of tlie Prohibitory Liqucjr Law, 
and made an able speech in its behalf. In 1855 he removed 
to Bloomington, III, where he Avas the means of securhiir the 
return of Owen Lovejoy to Congress, against Judge Davies. 
He subsequently resided for a short time at North Java, N. Y., 
where he still resides. Since taking up his residence in 
Warsaw, he has served two terms in the New York Senate, 
and acted on several important committees. He is said to be 
a gentleman of fine presence, great nervous energy, warm 
friendshi]3s, and good impulses. 

George D. Humphreys. — He was born Dec. 3, 1827. son of 
Col. Decius. He early removed to St. Louis, Mo., where he 
married Sarah F.Young, and engaged in the wholesale grocery 
business, and was president of the Mississippi Glass Co, He 
had great natural ingenuity, and developed remarkable jiower 
as a musician. He died Aug, 20, 1875. 

Edward Tluhert Foote. — He was the sixth son of Deacon 
Lancel. Born in 1827, and died at Bristol, Conn., in 185-1. 
He developed at an early age great mechanical ability, with 
rare inventive genius. At the time of death, when only 
twenty-seven years of age, he had already filled various posi- 
ti(jns in the highest grade in his profession as mechanical 
enghieer. lie had great taste for physics, especially in chem- 
istry and electricity. His early death prev^ented the perfect- 
ing of several important inventions in Telegraphy and other 
developments of electricity applied to mechanics, 

Jeremiah Broivn. — His father came from Lyme, Conn., to 
Canton. Jeremiah early removed to Hartford and engaged 
in the West India and European trade. He was agent for 
the United States Bank in Hartford when he died, 

Lucius Barbour. — He removed to Hartford and became a 
successful business man. He was distinguished for his Cln-is- 
tian character and liberality. Lie was deacon in the First 
Congregational Church for many j'ears. He was foi* a long 
time a valued member of the Board of Trustees of the Hart- 
ford Theological Seminary, and in his will gave one thousand 
dollars, the income to be given in aid of needy students. 



88 

Tliomns Wilcox. — He was the son of Jedediah, and was 
eng-aged for several years in selling clocks in the South. He 
afterwards settled and carried on the clock business in Bristol, 
Conn., where he died. He was prosj)erous, and highly 
esteemed as a benevolent. Christian man. 

Merrill J. Mills. — He removed to Detroit, Mich., and was 
connected with a stove manufacturing company, and with 
tlie fur trade. He was agent of the Hudson Bay Company. 
He became mayor of the cit}'. 

Thomas Dyer. — He went South as a clock peddler, and about 
1842 he moved to Chicago, and became mayor of the city. 

Alfred A. Bliss. — He removed to Ohio, and represented liis 
district in the United States Congress. 

Harvey Pike. — He is still living — October, 1886 — in Nel- 
son, Portage Co., Ohio, at the advanced age of ninety-two 
years. Although born in Barkhamsted, he early moved to 
Canton, and in 1816, under the ministry of Rev. Mr. Hallock, 
he, with thirteen others, united with the Congregational 
Church on confession of faith. It is possible that he is the 
onl}' living member who united at that time. He was a sol- 
dier in the war of 1812. 

Ezekiel Hosford. — Brother of Deacon Uriah. After leav- 
ing Canton he engaged in the mercantile business in New 
Haven, Conn., and afterwards went into private banking 
business in New York city. He was an earnest Christian 
man, and a devoted friend of the church in Canton Center. 
He was superintendent of the Sabbath-school in Canton for 
two years. 

Imri L. Spencer. — He removed to Bloomtield, Conn., and 
afterwards to Waterbury. He was a successful business man. 

Charles Mills. — He was a successful merchant in New Or- 
leans, and died there of yellow fever in 1857. 

Samuel Forbes. — He is a brother of Solomon, the physician, 
and at this time, 1886, resides in Toledo, Ohio, and is mayor 
at the present time of the city. 

John Howard Foole. — He was born Nov. 11, 1833, the son 



89 

of Deacon Lancel Foote. He resides in Brooklyn, New York. 
He is an importer and nianufactnrer of musical instruments 
in New York and in Chicago. Mr. Foote lias been successful 
in business, and has built a beautiful summer residence in 
Canton, on a part of the ancestral farm. He is a substantial 
friend of the Congregatioual Church in Cauton Center. 

Edivard M. Mills.— Re was born June 26, 1834. He fitted 
for college at Williston Seminary, Easthampton, Mass., and 
was graduated from Yale College, 1858. Since leaving col- 
lege he has been engaged in business, and now resides in 
Northampton, Mass. 

George H. Barber.— He is secretary of the Michigan Stove 
Works. 

George D. Colton, and his brother, Clifford L. CbZton.— They 
were both educated at the Collinsville High School and for 
a time were members of Yale College, but did not graduate 

Richard Case. — Son of John Case. Graduated at Brown 
University in 1880. Since 1881 he has been principal of a 
graded school in Eed Bank, N. J. 

Elmer L. Case. — Graduated from Collinsville High School 
in 1881, and from Brown University in 1885. He is now 
teaching in a graded school in Pawtucket, R. I. 

Albert Case. — He is a graduate of Yale College. 

Arthur J. Goodman. — He is a graduate of the School of 
Technology in Boston. He is a rare artist in painting and 
drawing, and is now pursuing his art studies in Paris. 

Nearly all the following persons were born in Canton, and 
they all lived and died there. They were all men of influ- 
ence in the church, and in business and in civil life. They 
have left to their descendants the legacy of their Christian 
characters and useful lives, a legacy more precious than lands 
and gold : 

Gen. Ezra Adams, George Humphrey, 

Darius Moses, Frederick Humphrey, 

Abiel Brown, Jasper Bidwell, 

James Humphrey, " Ephraim Mills, 

12 



90 

Loin Humphrey, "William H. Hallock, 

Titus Case, Elijah Whiting, 

Calvin Case, Dr. C. G. Griswold, 

Eufus Tuller, Daniel Taylor. 
Jonathan Barber, 

The following young ladies were educated at Mt. Holyoke 
Seminary : 

Lucinda Taylor, married Rev. L. H. Barber. 

Sophia S. Humphrey. 

Lydia Amanda Whiting. 

Amelia Whiting. 

Malvina R. Case, died Oct. 5, 1879. 

Florence I. Barber, married Sherman E. Brown. 

Ella R. Gridley, married Rev. J. O. Sherborne, a Methodist 
Episcopal clergyman, and now presiding elder in Yermont. 
She died July 30, 1875. 

Emma H. Humphrey. 

Emorette Case, married Dr. Erastus E. Case. 

Catherine H. Barber. 

Amelia Beckwith, educated in part at Oberlin, Ohio. 

Mary G. Holbrook. She graduated at Smith College, 
Northampton, Mass. 

Sarah E. Humphrey, daughter of Loin Harmon, married 
Rev. David A. Strong of East Granby. 

Emily Humphrey, sister of Sarah E,, married Rev. Dr. 
Edward W, Bentley. Dr. Bentley died at Canton Center, 
Oct. 23, 1886, aged 60 years. 

The following is a nearly accurate list of the men who 
served in the Union Army during the Civil war. With few 
exceptions, they were born in Canton. 

Eugene Adams, Thomas C. Bidwell, 

Anson W. Bristol, Frank Brock way, 

Joseph H. Bidwell, James Brock way, 

Walter S. Brown, Theron Barber, 

Edward E. Baker, Clayton T. Bidwell, 

James R. Brown, Austin Beckwith, 



91 



Volney E.. Bristol, 
Orrin S. Case, 
Ilosea E. Case, 
Marshall W. Case, 
Charles H. Champlin, 
Edmund Carrier, 
George H. Calhoun, 
Lowell M. Case, 
Elmer L. Case, 
Charles H. Case, 
Harvey U. Chapin, 
Richard M. Calhoun, 
John W. Crane, 
Charles L. Crane, 
Edward W. Case, 
Aslibel Carrier, 
Luther Childs, 
Elias Case, 
Jasper B, Dushan, 
Marcus Edgerton, 
John Flaherty, 
Michael Flaherty, 
James Fletcher, 
Thomas Fogherty, 
Edwin French, 
Albert French, 
Ephraim L. French, 
William A. German, 
Burton Goddard, 
Nathan F. Hosford, 
William A. Hosford, 
John D. Harger, 
Amos Hosford, 
Howard F. Hale, 



Emerson A. Hough, 
Lorenzo W. Hosford, 
Cyrus P. Harrington, 
James H. Hough, 
William H. Hawley, 
Richard Harger, 
Solomon H. Hosmer, 
Dwight Ives, 
Robert J. Jones, 
Leroy W. Jones, 
Benjamin F. Jones, 
Joseph F. Lincoln, 
Enos H. Lane, 
Jeremiah Latimer, 
Lauren C. Mills, 
Eldridge Messenger, 
Archibald L. Mills, 
James O. Moses, 
Joseph W. Merrill, 
Emory F. Messenger, 
Obed Messenger, 
Henry N. Mygatt, 
Correl Messenger, 
W. Edgar Simonds, 
Albert H. Simonds, 
Henry D, Sexton, 
John Turner, 
Isaac H. Tuller, 
James Taylor, 
Henry M. Weed, 
Willard M. White, 
Dryden P. White, 
Solomon E. Whitney. 



92 



CLOSING STATEMENT. 



In April, 1S85, Rev. F. Alvord, who had supplied the pulpit 
in 1857 and in 1865, became acting pastor of the church. 
Since then there has been a quiet season of revival interest, 
adding twelve to the church on confession, and a Young 
People's Society of Christian Endeavor has been organized. 
Much needed repairs have also been made upon the parsonage 
and conference- room, and a debt of $900 has been paid. 

Here ends the history of the Congregational Church in 
Canton Center, Conn. We regret its incompleteness. AVe 
have drawn from records dingy and bright, from Abiel 
Brown's History of West Simsbury, from the "Humphreys 
Family in America," and from the memories of the living ; 
but the records gape and the memories of the living some- 
times slip. Hence the imperfection of our work. In many 
cases it has been impossible to obtain the desired information. 
We have also been under the constraint of brevity, partly to 
save expense and partly to ensure the reading of the docu- 
ment. We have endeavored to be impartial. If any fail to 
see their own virtues or those of their friends applauded, let 
them lind comfort in the thought that they are in a goodly 
fellowship. The list of the unnamed outnumbers by far that 
of the named. 

This larger list is equally bright with the virtues of piety 
and patriotism. Those who belong to it have only to wait a 
little for a worthier mention than we could give them, in the 
records on high. 

Beyond the officers of the church and one or two profes- 
sional men living in town, we have aimed to confine ourselves 
to the mention only of those who have gone out from the 
place of their birth and wrought their life work elsewhere. 

From this brief survey it will be seen that, in respect to 
character and general influence in the town and country, this 
church compares favorably with any other church in rural 
New England. All who have gone forth, as well as those 
who have remained, whether members of this church or not, 
alike owe a large debt of gratitude to her as their nursing 



93 

mother. Correct views of life and impulses to nol)ler action 
on the part of the j^oung, are by no means an insignificant 
part of the work of the church. She teaclies all how to 
make the most of the present life even, as no other institu- 
tion does or can. 

For eighty-two years, or until 1832, when the church at 
Collinsville was organized, this church was religiously re- 
sponsible for nearly tlie whole of "West Simsbury, now Can- 
ton. The parish w^as large in territory and in numbers — 
few in New Eno-land larger. On Sabbath morninfr, from 
these hills and this valley the people might be seen gathering 
in large numbers to the place of worship. The Sabbath was 
the great day of the week, and public worship was the great 
event. The church took the lead in everything. The busi- 
ness of the town was transacted in the ecclesiastical meetings. 

But times have clianged. The old parish lines once co- 
incident with those of the town have been contracted. The 
numbers, too, have been greatly reduced, the hills and remoter 
parts of the town making a much smaller contribution to 
public worship at the Center than formerly. Many of these 
hill farms have passed into the hands of those who hold a 
diHerent faith or no faith at all. Some have been entirely 
abandoned, going back to the undisputed reign of nature, as 
when the first settler found his home here. It is no uncom- 
mon thing to see a half-filled cellar, or a huge stone chimney, 
or a tumbling down house and barn, where once lived a large 
and prosperous family of the genuine New England stock. 
When city people in search of summer homes shall have dis- 
covered the rare beauty of these hills, something of their 
foi'mer glory may return. Now the larger pro})ortion of the 
church-going people reside in the valley of Cherry Brook, 
north and south of the Center. 

And yet the old church may truly be said to be still in a 
vigorous condition. While it has lost in domain and in nuni- 
bers, it is still abundantly able to support the institutions of 
religion and to give liberally to the various benevolent ob- 
jects of the day. The farmers, and especiall}' in the valley, 
are, for the most part, thrifty and enterprising. There is a 



94 

spirit of progress among them. They adopt the improved 
methods of farming. Fertilizers and macliinerj are in gen- 
eral use. The land is of more than average fertility, giving 
large returns for the labor and money expended. The dairy 
business is becoming more and more important. Many of 
the farmers keep blooded stock, the Jerseys taking the pref- 
erence. As the result, a few years ago a creamery was estab- 
lished, which is doing a large and prosperous business. Its 
butter commands the highest market price. 

All things considered, therefore, the outlook of the church 
of the future in Canton is promising. The present is, how- 
ever, a critical period in its history. It is easy to lose the 
heritage of the fathers. This may come to pass by selling 
it outright as Esau did, or it may silently slip away while we 
sleep. If, on the contrary, the spirit of the fathers is in 
the children, — the spirit of love and of sacrifice, — that shall 
put the interests of the Church before other things, so 
causing the present and coming generations to stand solidly 
and unilinchingly to their work, then this Church shall con- 
tinue to be the light and glory of the town in the future, as 
it has been in the past. 



POEM. 



By Miss Ida R. Gridley. 

Within this valley, years ago, 
A few stern pilgrims found their homes. 

They came to build, and plant, and sow, 
To worship God beneath unsculptured domes. 

Embosomed by dense- wooded hills, 

The fertile valley silent lay, 
No noise of clattering mills. 

Or traveler o'er the stony, dusty way. 

This place the Indians' hunting-ground 
Long time had been. In showers glanced 

The sure-aimed arrows, slaying 'round 

Both bird and beast. In midnight feasts they danced, 



95 



Or, met in council 'neath an oak, 
They smoked the pipe of peace. But they, 

O, where are they ? Their wreathing smoke 
Is now a flower or butterfly; their clay 

Perchance, the blood within our veins. 

This we have learned from chiseled stone 
And arrows broken. Now remains 

To us to write of scenes to us far better known. 

Our fathers came, the forests rang 
With woodman's blows and crack of trees. 

The Indians' bows no longer twang. 
Their arrows shoot no more athwart the breeze. 

Before their household altars glowed. 
Our fathers kindled God's own flame. 

They chose a place for His abode 

And bowed with reverence for His holy name. 

Few joys and many sorrows theirs, 
And hence their deepest thoughts were given 

To Him who grants man rest from cares. 
And all their hopes were anchored fast in Heaven. 

From far-off hillside-homes they came, 
And each his time or treasure brought. 

With constant and united aim 
A rude, unpainted meeting-house they wrought. 

No fire on winter's coldest day 

To warm the frozen air; no shade 
To drive the summer's heat away. 

Not this a church for drowsy sinners made. 

They braved the storm God's word to hear ; 

They braved the war when freedom cried; 
Some nobly fought, and some left drear 

At home, toiled there in place of those who died. 

'Twas soon God sent a noble man 
This church to guide. He came in youth. 

And gathering the feeble band again. 

For forty years he taught God's love and truth. 



96 

God gave His spirit, blessed the Word, 

Aud sinners Hocked within the fold. 
The call for wider bounds was heard, 

Aud to a larger church gave place the old. 

This, too, a cheerless place, and cold, 

They made ; for men had then forgot 
That Beauty's form in various mold 

May stimulate or Godward turn our thought. 

In pulpit towering toward the sky 

The pastor stood on Sabbath day, 
Aud pointed clear the path on high 

And sin's alluring, soul-destroying way. 

This pastor died, another came 

Who, like godly Hallock, loved God best. 
For thirty years, nor praise nor fame 

Sought sainted Burt, but toiled till Death brought peaceful rest. 

O, noble men! We owe to you 

A debt of deepest gratitude; 
You lived to God and duty true. 

And showed no mercenary servitude. 

Each year the weary parents fell asleep. 

And one by one they've passed from mind; 
The silent earth their dust doth keep. 

Their children now in distant lands we find. 

Artistic skill has beautified 

Our church, for this our praise is given. 
For all whose lives have glorified 

Our church, there is a full reward in Heaven. 



J^ 



I 



